There are always two sides to a story. Even when we’re discussing Nick Kyrgios – at least according to his close friend Naomi Osaka. Kyrgios doesn’t mind speaking his mind whenever the situation calls for it, whether with mic in hand or on social media in general. And, while not everyone agrees with his style of functioning, Osaka has stepped forward to defend the Aussie.

Kyrgios didn’t mince his words when he addressed Iga Swiatek’s recent doping saga. The Polish superstar tested positive for a banned substance from an out-of-competition sample that sent shockwaves across the community. Though the ITIA accepted her defense and highlighted that the positive test came as a result of contamination, she was still handed a one-month ban from the tour. However, this verdict alone didn’t cut it for Kyrgios.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist took to his social media and lamented at the season’s second high-profile case of failed dope test, after the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Kyrgios took a swipe at both the star players, as he wrote on X, “The excuse that we can all use is that we didn’t know. Simply didn’t know. Professionals at the highest level of sport can now just say ‘We didn’t know.”

Though opinions are always divided on Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, in her interview with Bazaar Australia, explained why he is the way he is. Osaka highlighted that she appreciates the Aussie’s unfiltered personality. “Nick is a dynamic person both on and off the court. am really drawn to people who are unapologetic about who they are and aren’t afraid to show all aspects of themselves. I also think there is a side to Nick few people see, but I can say he has a very big heart and, for him, giving back is really important, and that is a quality I admire about him,” the Japanese star said.

She further went on to add, “For me, you get to a point in your life and your career where you have to stop letting outside noise get to you … if you give anyone’s voice but your own credit, you will never get to where you hope to be.”

Kyrgios and Osaka’s friendship goes a long way back and earlier this year, they extended their friendship beyond the court. The Aussie teamed up with Osaka’s media company Hana Kuma to launch his talk show Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios, where high-profile personalities like Mike Tyson and Piers Morgan made an appearance.

After a lengthy injury layoff, Kyrgios is now all set to make a comeback to the tour and ahead of his much-anticipated return at the Brisbane International, fans have been blessed with an exciting update surrounding his doubles participation.

Nick Kyrgios partners with Novak Djokovic for doubles in Brisbane

At a time when Nick Kyrgios was sidelined from the tour due to injury concerns, Novak Djokovic wanted him to recover and come back so they could fire action for a doubles blockbuster in the Australian hardcourt swing. “You’ve got to promise me something … recover quick, come back to the tour before I retire and we’ve got to play doubles,” Djokovic said in an interview with Kyrgios at this year’s Australian Open.

Seeing that Kyrgios is due for a return, the duo has made the possibility come true. They battled for the Wimbledon crown in 2022 and as their relationship strengthened, the pair will now look to showcase their talents together in Brisbane. In an Instagram post, Kyrgios uploaded a photo of their SW19 meet and wrote: “Doubles at Brisbane. See y’all there.”

As fans await the thrilling showcase, Kyrgios and Djokovic will look to display their best for the Australian crowd to go bonkers and possibly, celebrate their doubles triumph at the Brisbane International.