Reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic says his relationship with Nick Kyrgios has improved in recent months but stops short of agreeing with the Australian that the two are forming a bromance.
The two tennis stars will clash for the Wimbledon title on Sunday. Djokovic saw off Britain’s Cameron Norrie in four sets and Nick Kyrgios received a walkover due to Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal. It will be the first time the two have played each other on the Tour since 2017. The year where Kyrgios won both of their encounters in straight sets.
“I haven’t practiced with him or played with him since the last time I lost to him,” Djokovic told reporters on Friday evening.
“On grass, I would assume it’s even tougher to read his serve and to return because he has so many free points. You could see that throughout this tournament, as well. He just puts additional pressure on your serve. He moves well. He’s got great hands. A very complete player.”
Publicly both players have said they have formed greater respect for each other during what has been a roller-coaster relationship between the two. Kyrgios once said that the Serbian had a ‘sick obsession‘ with being liked, his post-match celebration was ‘cringeworthy’ and branded him a ‘tool’ last year when it was reported he had requested for an easing of covid-19 restrictions for players at the Australian Open. In return, Djokovic had previously said that he ‘doesn’t have much respect’ for the Australian off the court.
However, a change in their relationship began in January when Djokovic was involved in a high-profile legal battle with Australian authorities over the legitimacy of his visa due to being unvaccinated against covid. Kyrgios was one of the few players to speak out in support of the former world No.1. The world No.42 says a ‘bromance’ has formed between the two but the 20-time Grand Slam winner isn’t too sure.
“I don’t know if I can call it a bromance yet, but we have a better relationship than what it was probably prior to January this year,” he commented.
“But when it was really tough for me in Australia, he was one of the very few players that came out publicly and supported me and stood by me. That’s something I truly appreciate. So I respect him for that a lot.”
The fact that Kyrgios has reached his first Grand Slam final at the age of 27 is something his rival believes is a positive for the sport. He has endured a roller-coaster career where at times he contemplated walking away from the sport permanently. Furthermore, Kyrgios can be a controversial character due to his on-court antics at times. He has already been fined $14,000 at Wimbledon for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“It seems like mentally he’s at a better state than what he was some years ago,” said Djokovic.
“As time passes by, you’re maturing, you’re understanding yourself what you need to do to get yourself to the best possible, optimal state of mind, body, and soul in order to perform your best.”
Of course, with a Wimbledon title on the line, you can expect this mutual respect to be put on ice when they play against each other. It will also be curious to see how Djokovic reacts should his opponent start his unorthodox behavior such as arguing with the line officials and so on. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was knocked out of the tournament by Kyrgios, has gone as far as accusing him of bullying. An allegation he denies.
“I guess it’s going to be a game of small margins. I hope I can be at the desired level, then really it’s a mental game in the end, who stays tougher and calmer in the decisive moments.” He concludes.
The two tennis titans appear to be getting on well but in the past that was far from the case…..
The Djokovic-Kyrgios feud in quotes
“I just feel like he [Djokovic] has a sick obsession, wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger [Federer]. He just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. This whole celebration thing (blowing kisses to the crowd) that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy.”
Nick Kyrgios – No challenges Remaining podcast 2019 (NOTE: Djokovic said ‘he wasn’t losing sleep’ in response to that comment)
“What can I say to Nick Kyrgios. I think he’s not really a bad guy. I do not know why he declares all these things, whether he wants to draw attention or some motive is different.”
Djokovic to Sportklub in June 2019
Djokovic was playing Federer in the Wimbledon final that day
“It’s bad because I don’t think Novak did anything wrong to him. He decides to pick on Novak for no reason. You can come on the court and do whatever you want, but you need to respect your opponent.”
Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic to The Telegraph in 2019
‘I think you are better than Djokovic. Djokovic was playing dodgeball on my serve and you were slapping it for a winner. He was trying to dodge it, you were on it like a light.’
Kyrgios to Andy Murray during an Instagram Live session after he has ‘six glasses of wine.’
“Prayers up to all the players that have contracted COVID-19. Don’t @ me for anything I’ve done that has been ‘irresponsible’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ – this takes the cake.”
Kyrgios commented on players dancing at a party during the Adria Tour. An event founded by Djokovic that took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No matter how many majors Novak wins, he will never be the greatest to me. I played against him twice, and if he can’t beat me, you are not the greatest of all time.”
Kyrgios to the Herald Sun in January 2021
“Off the court, I don’t have much respect for him, to be honest. That’s where I’ll close it. I really don’t have any further comments for him, his own comments for me or anything else he’s trying to do.”
Djokovic during the 2021 Australian Open
