‘Novak is back’ – Australian Open chief’s support for Novak Djokovic as match with Nick Kyrgios is confirmed

Shahida Jacobs
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Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios pre-match
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios before the 2022 Wimbledon final

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley is confident that Novak Djokovic will receive a warm reception from fans at Melbourne Park when he makes his return during a practice match against Nick Kyrgios.

Djokovic, of course, infamously missed last year’s Australian Open after he was deported from the country due to his unvaccinated COVID-19 status and he was hit with a three-year visa ban on the back of that decision.

After the new Australian government lifted his ban, he made his return Down Under at the end of 2022 and kicked off his 2023 campaign at last week’s Adelaide International 1.

It was a smooth return for the 21-time Grand Slam winner as he won the tournament and most fans in South Australia were delighted to have him back.

He will make his Melbourne comeback this week and Tiley will welcome him with open arms.

“He really enjoyed the experience in South Australia and he was welcomed … he loved it there,” he said.

“I love that our fans are sporting fans and are among the most educated and appreciate greatness. They appreciate players like Novak that have won this event nine times.

“Novak is back and I’m pretty confident that the Melbourne fans – similar to the experience he had in Adelaide – will be just as good.”

Djokovic will play at Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park for the first time in two years on Friday as he will take on Kyrgios in an exhibition match.

WATCH: Novak Djokovic kicks his brother out during Adelaide final

Kyrgios first teased fans about a possible doubles clash with Djokovic in an Instagram post and then Djokovic admitted last week that they are looking at organising an event.

That event – dubbed the Arena Showdown between “tennis’ most famous frenemies” – has now been confirmed.

It will be their first meeting since their Wimbledon final clash, which Djokovic won in five sets.

After his win over Sebastian Korda in the Adelaide final, former world No 1 Djokovic admitted he was looking forward to fine-tuning his game and adapting to conditions in Melbourne.

“It’s been a long I would say five weeks for me or more with pre-season, coming into Australia. I’ve been here almost two weeks in Adelaide training really hard, having a lot of match play time on the court that I spent,” he said.

“I’m pleased with the way I am playing, way I’m feeling. Now it’s really fine-tuning, just adapting to the conditions. They’re slightly different in Melbourne. Just taking it easy because I’ve had a lot of intensity this week.

“If I get to play practice matches with the guys that you mentioned, it would be great.”

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