Nick Kyrgios ’embarrassed’ over Australia’s handling of the Novak Djokovic case

Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios has spoken out again about the treatment of Novak Djokovic by the Australian authorities and the media in the handling of his visa saga.

The Serbian is the eye of the storm of one of the biggest stories which is dominating global headlines after he was detained in a hotel in Melbourne upon his arrival into Australia, appealed his deportation ruling and was then allowed to stay in the country on a medical exemption after his cancelled visa was overturned.

However, this isn’t the end of it as the world No 1 could still be thrown out of the country, and that decision lies with immigration minister Alex Hawke as he could use his personal powers to deport the 34-year-old.

Australian Kyrgios, who is currently isolating due to returning a positive Covid-19 case, is far from happy with the way Djokovic’s case has been handled up until now, last week he urged authorities to “do better” over the situation and now he’s being critical of the role the media has played in the debacle.

“We know the media like to create s**t-storms, with my story and everything going on with Novak,” the 26-year-old said.

“I feel quite embarrassed as an Australian athlete who’s seen what this guy has done for us and for the sport.

“I just don’t think it’s right how we’re handling it, but the media loves to do that, loves to divide.”

As a result of Djokovic’s appeal hearing granting him stay in Australia, he is able to attempt to retain his title from the season opening Grand Slam which starts in just a few days time, however it’s looking doubtful that Kyrgios will be able to play in the major tournament.

The world No 114 tested positive for Coronavirus on January 10, just a week away from the Australian Open, but he’s confident he’ll be recovered in time to compete.

“I actually don’t feel too bad at the moment and I’m taking all necessary precautions,” he explained.

“Obviously not ideal a week out of the Aus Open, but I’m going to do everything in my power to feel okay and get out there and hopefully give you all a show.

“I just don’t want this to take away from the Australian summer of tennis – we’ve had a lot of great results, a lot of other Aussies are doing really well.”

The Australian Open gets underway from January 17.

Nick Kyrgios Novak Djokovic

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