Nick Kyrgios hopes to lean on foe-turned-friend Novak Djokovic for invaluable Australian Open match follow, however on one situation.
Djokovic confirmed on Thursday he is planning to play the Australian in a follow match in Melbourne, though Kyrgios has requested they play shorter units.
It would possible be Kyrgios’s solely motion earlier than the 12 months’s first main, the Australian a controversial late withdrawal from the maiden United Cup with an ankle damage.
“We are talking with the Australian Open about doing something in a week prior to the start of the tournament,” Djokovic confirmed after reserving a quarter-final berth on the Adelaide International 1.
“Yes, I chatted with Nick, and I would like to play with him, and he accepted, but he wants shorter sets. Let’s see if that works out.”
Djokovic, a nine-time winner at Melbourne Park, stated the spectacle can be a part of the brand new Tennis Australia initiative that features ticketed follow matches on Rod Laver Arena earlier than the principle occasion begins on January 16.
“I’m happy if that will be organised; we’re still not having 100 per cent confirmation, but I think most likely will happen with Nick, so I’m looking forward to that,” Djokovic stated.
The world No.22 misplaced to Djokovic in final 12 months’s Wimbledon last, the 21-time main title winner declaring “it’s officially a bromance” after softening the Australian throughout a pre-final follow session the place it was determined the winner would pay for dinner.
Kyrgios, who had beforehand known as Djokovic a “tool” and mocked his post-match celebrations, defended him amid his deportation from Australia earlier than the 2022 event over his unvaccinated standing.
“I wasn’t his favourite guy, let’s take it that way, for many years,” Djokovic, who may additionally play doubles with Kyrgios later this 12 months, conceded.
“But he was one of the very few that stood by me last year, and I respect that and appreciate that.
“In these moments you may truly see who really helps you and who’s by your facet and who goes with the move of the society and the pressures that media places on you.
“He was giving me undivided support in the moments where I was being challenged a lot, and him as an Australian, I respected that a lot.
“Since then, our relationship has modified for the higher.”
