Their relationship came to a standstill when Kyrgios offered his support to Djokovic amid a court decision to deport him from Australia in 2022, and has continued to warm since then.

But before the game, Kyrgios had no idea how things would turn out.

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up was back on a competitive court for the first time in 18 months after suffering a wrist ligament injury that he feared would end his career.

How the 29-year-old’s body would react was initially unknown.

The second question was how a new partnership between “two different personalities” would come about.

“We could be completely out of the running,” said Kyrgios, who lost to Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2022 in the only major final of his turbulent career.

Any lingering concerns about Kyrgios’ physical condition were put to rest with a hold to love in an opening service game that showed he had lost none of his trademark strength.

“What a game I played, hmm,” Djokovic chuckled.

The way the two laughed and joked showed how relaxed they now feel in each other’s company.

The entertainment increased as the set progressed, with Djokovic delivering two highlights-show-worthy moments that helped swing the opener in his team’s favor.

In the tenth game, the 37-year-old Serb shot a stretched backhand through the gap between the net post and the referee’s chair to make it 15:15 and then scored two set points with a perfectly measured lob.

Kyrgios converted the first goal with a superb forehand winner that went just over the line and sparked joyous cheers from the crowd.

The game remained closely fought in the second set, even if there were still chances for some old Kyrgios.

When he served at 3-3, he hit a typical tweener and backed it up with a sharp volley.

The smile as he scurried down the line showed his satisfaction as he accepted the fans’ applause, while an elated Djokovic rushed to join him in the celebrations.

Erler and Mies equalized, but the superior skills of Kyrgios and Djokovic ensured the duo would return for another performance later this week.

“This injury was brutal for me, so I didn’t take any of it for granted,” Kyrgios said.

“I don’t know how many Australian summers I have left.

“We promised we would do this once before he or I left. That’s why I’m glad we’re still alive.”