Novak Djokovic confirms doubles plans with Nick Kyrgios as he opens up about Aussie’s ‘undivided support’

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Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios Wimbledon final

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are set to take their bromance to the next level as they are expected to team up in doubles match ahead of the Australian Open.

The two enjoyed a tense relationship in the past with Kyrgios infamously stating “I can’t stand him” – referring to Djokovic – during an interview in 2019, but things took a turn for the better last year when the Australian vocally supported Djokovic following his deportation from Australia on the back of his decision not to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

And by Wimbledon the relationship started to blossom as Kyrgios confirmed they “have a bit of a bromance” and had started to send each other messages on social media.

Both were complimentary of each after the Wimbledon final – which was won by Djokovic – but the “bromance” has certainly grown and Kyrgios teased fans last week on Instagram, posting an image of the pair with the caption: “New doubles pair this year…. Loading……🤭👀 @djokernole you ready??!!”

Djokovic replied with: “💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪”

After playing at the Adelaide International, Djokovic was again asked about his relationship with the Australian.

“I wasn’t his favourite guy – let’s take it that way – for many years. But he was one of the very few that stood by me last year, and I respect that and appreciate that,” the 21-time Grand Slam winner said.

“In those moments you can actually see who truly supports you and who is by your side and who goes with, I guess, the flow of the society and the pressures that media puts on you. He was giving me 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 better.”

And Kyrgios is certainly lapping up the newfound respect as he replied on an Instagram Story about Djokovic’s comments with the caption: “Who stands with you when the s*** gets real… Says everything.”

Nick Kyrgios Novak Djokovic Instagram support

As for a doubles encounter – likely to only be an exhibition or practice match – Djokovic confirmed it is on the cards.

“We are talking to the Australian Open about doing something in a week prior to the start of the tournament. 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,” the Serbian said.

Australian Open organisers had floated an idea to open practice sessions to fans in the lead-up to the tournament and Djokovic is on board with the idea.

“I feel like much of us need matches and practice matches and as many points that we can play prior to the Australian Open. I’m happy if that will be organised. We still don’t have 100% confirmation, but I think it will most likely happen with Nick so I’m looking forward to that.”

Nick Kyrgios Novak Djokovic

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