Nick Kyrgios asks foe-turned-friend Novak Djokovic to help him with last-minute preparations for the Australian Open as tennis bad boy faces race against time to be fit for the Grand Slam… but there is ONE condition that the Serb must follow
- Nick Kyrgios has asked Novak Djokovic to help him ahead of the Australian Open
- Kyrgios, 27, is facing a race against time to be fit for the first Grand Slam of 2023
- He pulled out of the Adelaide International as he tackles an ankle injury
- Djokovic says he has been asked for help, but with one strict condition
Nick Kyrgios hopes to lean on foe-turned-friend Novak Djokovic for invaluable Australian Open match practice, but on one condition.
Djokovic confirmed on Thursday he’s planning to play the Australian in a practice match in Melbourne, although Kyrgios has requested they play shorter sets.
It would likely be Kyrgios’s only action before the year’s first major, the Australian a controversial late withdrawal from the maiden United Cup with an ankle injury.
Nick Kyrgios has asked for help as he faces a race against time for the Australian Open
‘We are talking with the Australian Open about doing something in a week prior to the start of the tournament,’ Djokovic confirmed after booking a quarter-final berth at 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, said the spectacle would be part of the new Tennis Australia initiative that includes ticketed practice matches on Rod Laver Arena before the main event begins on January 16.
Kyrgios has asked Novak Djokovic to help him prepare as he recovers from an ankle injury
The pair previously shared a toxic relationship but are now enjoying a newfound bromance
‘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 said.
The world No.22 lost to Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final, the 21-time major title winner declaring ‘it’s officially a bromance’ after softening the Australian during a pre-final practice session where it was decided the winner would pay for dinner.
Kyrgios, who had previously called Djokovic a ‘tool’ and mocked his post-match celebrations, defended him amid his deportation from Australia before the 2022 tournament over his unvaccinated status.
Djokovic is aiming for his tenth Australian Open title on his return Down Under for 2023
‘I wasn’t his favourite guy, let’s take it that way, for many years,’ Djokovic, who could also play doubles with Kyrgios later this year, conceded.
‘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 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 the better.’
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