Nick Kyrgios ramps up Novak Djokovic doubles pressure

Nick Kyrgios has ramped up the pressure on Novak Djokovic to join him in a doubles tournament with his latest post on Instagram. The Aussie hinted that a potential partnership could be on the cards at the Indian Wells Open earlier this week and he has kept the legendary Serb in the spotlight with his most recent message. 

Kyrgios and Djokovic have not always seen eye to eye over the course of their careers. However, their relationship has blossomed over 2022 after the 27-year-old was one of the only tennis players to take a public stand against Djokovic’s deportation on the eve of the Australian Open. 

Their friendship was then solidified at Wimbledon with the 21-time major champion actively labelling their relationship as a ‘bromance’ at the All-England Club. They eventually met in the final, with Djokovic claiming his seventh crown at the venue after beating the Australian in four sets. 

Earlier this week, Kyrgios had hinted that the pair could be about to get even closer with a doubles appearance alongside the tennis legend at the Indian Wells Open. The 27-year-old was responding to a comment from a fan about the ‘Nov-ick’ bromance on his Instagram story, writing: “If Novak is allowed into the USA we are playing doubles at Indian Wells. Y’all ready?” 

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Now he has ramped the pressure up with a further post about a prospective partnership. The world No 22 uploaded a picture of the pair coming out for the final at Wimbledon alongside the caption: “New doubles this year… loading…@djokernole you ready??!!” 

Djokovic appears to be more than open to the idea too, responding with a series of strong-arm emojis. 

Kyrgios’ post suggests that other tournaments could be on the agenda for the potential doubles pairing, with doubts over whether or not Djokovic will be able to compete at Indian Wells. The tournament takes place in California next March but the United States currently still has a policy where no non-US citizens can enter the country unless they have received two vaccinations against Covid-19. 

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The rules prevented Djokovic from taking part in the US Open this year and may continue to hinder him in 2023 unless they are changed or he decides to take the jab himself. 

It remains to be seen whether or not the duo will be able to take to the court together next year but tennis fans will be desperate to see the double act happen in what could be one of the most exciting pairings in recent years.