Djokovic praises Kyrgios for support in tough times
The HinduNovak Djokovic said on Thursday he wants to play a practice match against Nick Kyrgios ahead of the Australian Open, the latest improvement in what was once an icy relationship. Previously the pair rarely saw eye-to-eye, with the divisive Australian once calling the 21-time Grand Slam champion “a tool.” But their relations warmed when Kyrgios became one of the few players to offer Djokovic support in his Australia deportation saga a year ago, related to his Covid vaccination status. “I wasn’t his favourite guy — let’s say it that way — for many years,” Djokovic said in Adelaide, where he is preparing for the Australian Open. Since then, our relationship has changed for better.” It has changed so much that they are planning to practice together at Melbourne Park next week, as Kyrgios recovers from an ankle injury.