Kyrgios, Djokovic partnership a hit

Exchanging smiles, laughs and flashy shots, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios teamed up in doubles on Monday as they both returned to the court in preparation for the Australian Open. The two former Wimbledon final opponents reached the second round of the Brisbane International with a 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 win against Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies. It was Kyrgios’ first match in 18 months due to injuries, while Djokovic missed the season-ending ATP Finals last month with an unspecified injury. They had the crowd on their feet several times at Pat Rafter Arena, including when Djokovic flicked an around-the-net backhand winner during the first set. Djokovic then turned to point at a grinning Kyrgios, who slapped Djokovic’s outstretched hand in celebration. “That’s just an iconic Novak moment,” said Krygios, above, who treated the crowd to some shot-making of his own. When the 29-year-old Aussie won another point following another extravagant shot — playing the ball between his legs — he jogged proudly around the court with a grinning Djokovic chasing after him.

Commanders earn postseason spot

Jayden Daniels is running all over opponents and away with the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. His legs are arguably as big a reason the Commanders are heading to the playoffs as his right, throwing arm. “That guy’s an absolute beast,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said Sunday night after Daniels, above, torched his team for 127 yards on 16 carries in a 30-24 Commanders win in OT. “He’s a tough tackle. He’s hell on wheels.” Daniels’ wheels have become the key to the Commanders’ running game, even as Brian Robinson Jr. has struggled to regain the foothold he had earlier this season. The rookie quarterback has been the team’s leading rusher in half of their games, including four of the last five, and his mobility opens up everything for the NFL’s fifth-highest-scoring offense. “He is a dangerous player — and not by design that some of these runs took place,” coach Dan Quinn said. “I cringe sometimes, but I also know what the competitor is, too.” Commanders tight end Zach Ertz said after the victory that Daniels is “the most mature rookie I’ve ever been around.”

Struggling AC Milan fires Fonseca

AC Milan hired Sérgio Conceição as its new coach on Monday, hours after the Serie A club fired Portuguese compatriot Paulo Fonseca. The 50-year-old Conceição has been given an 18-month contract. Conceição, who played in Serie A with Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan, coached Porto for six seasons before stepping down in June. His first match in charge of Milan will be against Juventus in the Italian Super Cup semifinals in Saudi Arabia on Friday. “The club extends a warm welcome to Sérgio and his staff, wishing a journey full of success and fulfilment.” the Rossoneri said in a statement. Conceição landed at Milan’s Linate airport on Monday afternoon and is reportedly headed straight to Milan’s training ground to meet the team and staff. Fonseca’s dismissal was officially announced on Monday morning after the Portuguese coach was informed following a 1-1 draw at home to Roma the previous night. Fonseca was hired in June and produced only 12 wins in 24 matches across all competitions. Milan is eighth in Serie A, trailing leaders Atalanta and Napoli by 14 points. —AP