Nick Kyrgios might be a divisive figure for some in the world of tennis but he continues to be a hit with many fans around the world.
The Australian world No.21 has been criticized over his behaviour during matches and commitment to the sport throughout his career. He has engaged in numerous fiery arguments with both players and umpires during his matches. At his worst, he was handed a suspended ban from the ATP in 2019 for ‘aggravated behaviour.’
Nevertheless, Kyrgios continues to be a hit with fans and the latest proof of that is his upcoming exhibition match with Novak Djokovic. On Friday the two will lock horns on the Rod Laver Arena in what will be a repeat of last year’s Wimbledon final which Djokovic won after coming from a set down. According to Melbourne journalist, Luke Dennehy, tickets for the match sold out in less than an hour.
After hearing about the ticket sales, Kyrgios couldn’t help but take a dig at those who had questioned if he was a suitable role model for the sport.
“Wow Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow what a disgrace, a national embarrassment! How dare he sell out another stadium, the arrogance,” Kyrgios sarcastically wrote on Twitter.
It remains to be seen what form Kyrgios is in after he was forced to pull out of two pre-Australian Open events due to an ankle injury which he sustained during the off-season. His last Tour event was the Tokyo Open which took place last October.
Meanwhile, Djokovic has started his season in winning fashion by claiming his 92nd Tour title at the Adelaide International where he saved a match point in the final before defeating Sebastian Korda.
The two players haven’t always seen eye-to-eye on the Tour but their relationship has considerably improved over the past 12 months. Speaking to reporters last week, Djokovic once again thanked Kyrgios for the support he received from him 12 months ago when he was deported from Australia due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
“I wasn’t his favorite guy – let’s take it that way – for many years. But he was one of the very few that stood by me last year, and I respect that and appreciate that,” 21-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said.
“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.”
All tickets for the upcoming match were priced at AUS$20 with proceeds from the sales going to the Australian Tennis Foundation, Tennis Australia and the Australian Open’s official charity. These charities support brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through improved access and equity to engagement with tennis.
