Nick Kyrgios has emerged from his lengthy tennis layoff with his humour still intact, despite fears his injuries would end his career.

The 29-year-old has missed 18 months of tennis, but will return to action at the Brisbane International, teaming up with one of the game’s icons in Novak Djokovic in the men’s doubles.

“Everyone thinks it’s a pleasure to play with him (Djovokic). It’s actually a pleasure to play with me, let’s be real,” Kyrgios joked on Saturday.

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His return to the game is one that could never have happened, after his wrist reconstruction surgery earlier in the year.

“Even to get back on the court from the surgery I had was a miracle, to be honest,” he said.

And he’s not rushing too far ahead in his career plans, just focusing on his singles match at the Brisbane International against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Monday.

“I just take it day by day, doing everything I can to get back out on the court and have some success,” he said.

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As for what lies ahead with Djokovic, he too has had a longer than usual layoff from tennis, which may prove perfect ahead of his team up with Kyrgios.

“Took some time to physically recover and get myself in the right shape,” Djokovic said.

“We spoke earlier, at Wimbledon, about playing together when he is back on tour.

“Now we have the first chance right away in the first week of the season, should be fun.”

Kyrgios and Djokovic will face off against Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in their round of 32 doubles match, with the Brisbane International starting Sunday.