Novak Djokovic has revealed he has plans for an exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios in the lead-up to the Australian Open, while spilling on the origins of the pair’s “bromance”.
The Serbian’s relationship with the Aussie has done a complete 180 over the last 12 months, after they were not on good terms for much of Kyrgios’ career.
The mutual respect between the pair was evident when Djokovic beat Kyrgios in last year’s Wimbledon final, with the Aussie describing his opponent as “a bit of a god”.
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Kyrgios has not played at the United Cup and withdrew from a tournament in Adelaide next week as he continues to rehab an ankle injury sustained in December, but could return to the court alongside Djokovic next week prior to the Australian Open.
“We are talking with the Australian Open about doing something in a week prior to the start of the tournament,” Djokovic revealed.
“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 added that the clash with Kyrgios is likely to be a part of a series of practice matches the Australian Open is planning on having where fans will be able to watch.
When asked what tipped the relationship with Kyrgios into a more positive space, Djokovic noted Kyrgios’ support of him after he was unceremoniously deported from Australia last January.
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“I wasn’t his favourite guy – let’s take it that way – for many years,” he said.
“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 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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