Nick Kyrgios has taken a cheeky swipe at his critics after it emerged a pre-Australian Open exhibition match that includes the Australian star and Novak Djokovic had bought out in lower than an hour.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley on Monday confirmed Kyrgios would tackle Djokovic this Friday evening in an exhibition match “extravaganza” at Rod Laver Arena.
Tickets for the blockbuster occasion that includes the star duo went on sale at noon on Tuesday — they usually have been scorching property, with the match bought out amid unimaginable demand.
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In truth Melbourne-based media man Luke Dennehy revealed on Twitter Friday’s match had bought out in 58 minutes.
Upon seeing Dennehy’s tweet, Kyrgios had a dig at any critics that imagine he’s unhealthy for tennis’ picture.
“Wow Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow what a disgrace, a national embarrassment! How dare he sell out another stadium, the arrogance,” a sarcastic Kyrgios wrote on Twitter.
All tickets have been priced at $20, with proceeds going to the Australian Tennis Foundation.
The match is a replay of final 12 months’s Wimbledon ultimate, when Djokovic beat Kyrgios in 4 units.
The first Grand Slam of 2023 begins subsequent Monday, which is able to see nine-time Melbourne champion Djokovic return to the event following his ban a 12 months in the past.
The famously fiery Australian Kyrgios as soon as labelled the Serbian “a tool”, however publicly supplied his assist final 12 months when Djokovic was deported over his Covid vaccination standing.
“I wasn’t his favourite guy – let’s say it that way – for many years,” Djokovic stated in Adelaide final week. “But he was one of the very few that stood by me last year, and I respect that and appreciate that.
“In those moments you can actually see who truly supports you and who is by your side and who goes with, I guess, the flow of the society and the pressures that media puts 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 changed for better.”
The match will even give Kyrgios a badly wanted run-out forward of his residence Grand Slam, having been sidelined to this point this 12 months with an ankle harm.
Djokovic saved match level on Sunday earlier than defeating Sebastian Korda to win the Adelaide International and reinforce his standing as a heavy title favorite for Melbourne.
— with AFP
Originally revealed as Nick Kyrgios’ cheeky dig as Novak Djokovic exhibition tickets promote out in 58 minutes
