Sportsmanship and camaraderie make rivalries memorable, despite intense competition. Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic are a prime example, with their rivalry starting after the Aussie questioned Nole’s status as the GOAT. However, things took a surprising turn when Kyrgios supported Djokovic during the 2022 Australian Open visa controversy. Their feud transformed into an unlikely “bromance,” with Nick noting, “We definitely have a bit of a bromance now, which is weird.” They even teamed up for a doubles match at the Brisbane International earlier this year, winning over fans with their chemistry despite losing the match. Will we see them spark that magic again?

Kyrgios was unsuccessful at making it past the first round at tournaments like the Australian Open and Indian Wells. However, he finally won his first match in two years at the Miami Open, defeating Mackenzie McDonald with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 scoreline.

Djokovic was nothing short of ecstatic with Kyrgios’ victory. “I saw him today in the locker room, in his sleeveless basketball jersey. I don’t think he has ever worn a tennis shirt. I’ve never seen him with a tennis gear on. I congratulated him, I was glad for him because he’s had injuries and he was absent from the Tour. We know all the struggles,” the 24-time GS winner said, as reported by Tennis Majors on March 21.

When the duo collaborated for a doubles campaign in Brisbane, it was cut short in R2 as they lost to the top-seeded pair of Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus. But Novak seems keen on another collaboration. The Serb extended an invitation for Kyrgios to join him at his home tournament in Belgrade at the end of the season.

“I do really wish that we play another time [in] doubles,” he said. “Later on this year we have a tournament in Belgrade, I’m planning to play it. I don’t know if he’s planning to come, so maybe, yeah, maybe we should slam it there,” Djokovic said. And, the 29-year-old Aussie wasted no time in giving Djokovic his answer on X, as he responded “I’m in partner ❤️,” building on the bromance that fans have witnessed since the start of the 2025 season.

The once fiery rivalry between Djokovic and Kyrgios has now transformed into an unlikely friendship, or as they affectionately call it, a “bromance.” It wasn’t long ago that Kyrgios was labeling the Serb with less-than-flattering terms like “useless” and “a tool,” while Djokovic retorted that he had “no respect” for the Aussie. However, the tide turned in 2022 when Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final. In his victory speech, Nole praised Kyrgios as a deserving finalist and “one of the best players in the world.” This shift was largely due to the Aussie’s public support during Djokovic’s deportation saga in Australia earlier that year.

Today, they not only exchange playful banter but also share memes and are considering playing doubles together more often. Additionally, Kyrgios has shown support for the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which Novak Djokovic co-founded in 2021, in its lawsuit against the tennis governing bodies.

Nick Kyrgios shows his support for the PTPA

On March 18, the PTPA made headlines by filing a series of lawsuits against major governing bodies like the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA. The PTPA accuses these organizations of operating as a “cartel” that exploits players and jeopardizes their health and safety. With the backing of 12 players, including Nick Kyrgios and Reilly Opelka, this legal action aims to bring systemic change to professional tennis.

Some big names are stepping up to support the cause. Bill Ackman, whose Pershing Square Foundation has backed the PTPA’s commercial arm, Winners Alliance, with $26 million in funding, highlighted the stark contrast between the glamorous perception of tennis and the harsh reality faced by most players. He emphasized, “The reality is a loss-making, health-threatening grind for all but the top 100 or so players,” calling for urgent reforms to protect athletes’ interests through the PTPA.

Ackman concluded with a powerful call to action: “The time for this to stop is now.” Kyrgios enthusiastically chimed in, saying, “You know it partner 😉,” showing his support for the legal case and his stance with the PTPA.

Amid all the legal drama, the on-court action continues. Kyrgios may have taken a step forward with his first-round win at the Miami Open but lost his match against Karen Khachanov in the round of 64. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is chasing his 100th title in Miami and is set to face Rinky Hijikata in R32. Are you backing the Serb to go all the way?