Nick Kyrgios’ long-running rift with superstar Novak Djokovic appears to be a thing of the past, with a “bromance” developing between the pair according to the Australian.
Kyrgios this month has made headlines for his support of Djokovic, who isn’t featuring at this year’s Australian Open after coming under fire for using a medical exemption in an attempt to bypass Australia’s vaccination policy.
Djokovic, the current world No.1, was sent back home to Serbia earlier this week following the Federal Court’s decision to uphold his visa cancellation in the aftermath of his controversial entry into the country.
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While much of the Australian public and many politicians opposed Djokovic’s stance on the COVID-19 vaccination, Kyrgios on several occasions stated that the Serbian was no longer “being treated like a human” during the prolonged saga.
After Kyrgios defeated Liam Broady in straight sets during yesterday’s first-round action, he was asked during his post-match press conference on becoming a popular figure among the Serbian community for his recent support of Djokovic.
“I mean, it’s great,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously me and Novak have had some, I guess, differences in the past.
“But I mean, whether it was Novak or someone else, I would have done the same thing.
“I didn’t do it because he was Serbian. If it was another player in that scenario, I would have stood up for what I think was right.
“I think it was just coincidentally it was Novak, and you know it was quite a story.”
Kyrgios is no stranger to prior controversies with Djokovic – he famously labelled the world No.1 a “tool” last year.
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With a smile on his face, Kyrgios cheekily added that he would later ask the Serbian superstar to partner with him in doubles.
“We got a bit of a bromance going on now,” Kyrgios added.
“Not that I’m complaining. I think I’m going to ask him to play doubles somewhere.”
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