Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios both emerge victorious in pre-Australian Open love

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios were the winners of a charity match held ahead of the Australian Open last night. The nine-time champion was greeted as a hero on his "emotional" return to the Rod Laver Arena after his expulsion last January. And the Aussie No.1, who has never been far from controversy Down Under, helped rehabilitate his reputation in a pitch-perfect PR night full of smiles, laughs and tweens.

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Just like when Bobby Ewing stepped out of the shower in Dallas a year after he was killed, it felt like the last 12 months had never happened. And no one - the event, the players and even the Australian public - seems to want to remember or relive what really happened here.

Tournament director Craig Tiley who tried to bring unvaccinated Djokovic into the country on a medical exemption is still in place. This charity match sold out in just 58 minutes.

And as long as his left hamstring holds strong, Djokvovic is set to win his 10th Australian Open title on January 29 and tie with Rafa Nadal with 22 Grand Slam singles titles. It was business as usual at Melbourne Park. The Serbian superstar kissed the crowd at his most successful Grand Slam - and they kissed him.

After his enthusiastic welcome when he entered the court, Djokovic said: "I'm very happy, very happy. Thank you very much. I'm feeling a bit emotional right now to be honest."

Kyrgious branded Djokovic a 'tool' to complain about lockdown rules at the 2021 event, but an unlikely bromance has developed since the Aussie publicly backed the Serb here last year .

This lightweight Wimbledon final rematch was living proof of that as it was played in Fast 4 to protect Djokovic's hamstrings and Kyrgios' injured knee. The tone was set early on when the Serb jokingly held his head in his hands after hitting a tween return into the net on a Kygrios let serve – only to then learn you were playing a let in that format. "I didn't receive my memo before the match," laughs the Djoker.

Dropped serves and in-game commentary followed until wheelchair players David Wagner and Heath Davidson - then two ball boys - joined in the deciding game. "Go see Nick, he's the weak link," Djokovic told his partner. "His forehand return is breaking down," Kyrgios retorted before winning the "match" 4-3 2-4 10-9.

It was a busy start to the year for Kyrgios where he invested in a Melbourne basketball franchise, appeared at the launch of the new Netflix series - and started a new feud with Alex De Minaur. Kyrgious pulled out of the recent United Cup at short notice and when asked yesterday if he had been in contact, De Minaur replied coolly: "No, we haven't spoken."

Kyrgios, who repeated his threat to retire if he wins a Grand Slam singles title, was happy to talk about Djokovic after their match. "One of the greatest left us last year in Roger," said the Australian. "It's very important to have him in our sport."

Djokovic added, "It's great to be back in Australia, back in Melbourne. Thanks for making me feel welcome tonight."

Djokovic and Kyrgios could meet here in the quarter-finals. "I don't think we will be so friendly to each other," the Serb said.