Nick Kyrgios and former rival Novak Djokovic stepped out for a relaxed practice session at Wimbledon, with the Australian aiming to return to action soon.
Kyrgios, who finished runner-up to Djokovic in the 2022 men’s singles tournament, has joined the BBC’s team of pundits for this year’s tournament in south-west London after ruling himself out of competition due to injury.
The 29-year-old has proven his commentary prowess while on the sidelines, impressing fans during his performances on Eurosport during the Australian Open, as well as on the Tennis Channel.
The Australian star is due to return to action next month and managed to hit the links with his friend ahead of Djokovic’s clash with Australian Alexei Popyrin.
“I feel like a little kid again,” Kyrgios posted on X before entering the court with Djokovic.
The pair joked around during the session, with the Australian at one point declaring: “I know your moves, you’re too good.”
The blossoming friendship between Kyrgios and Djokovic seemed unlikely in 2019, when the former criticized the ten-time Australian Open champion on a New York Times podcast.
“I feel like he has an unhealthy obsession with wanting to please,” Kyrgios said.
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic stepped out for a practice session at Wimbledon
“He just wants to be like Roger. I personally don’t care now, I’ve come this far. I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I can’t stand him.”
Two years later, the Canberra-born star has again lashed out at Djokovic, condemning his “stupid” decision to hold a charity tennis event in Croatia which resulted in several players contracting Covid-19.
Today, the Australian and the Serbian superstar maintain a close friendship and tennis fans love to watch it.
On Sunday morning, Australian Alexei Popyrin could only dream for one set, until Djokovic dismantled his fantasy on Centre Court, leaving Alex de Minaur once again the sole Australian singles survivor at Wimbledon.
Sydneysider Popyrin took the first round against the seven-time champion in brilliant fashion in their third-round rematch, but that was the best they could manage.
Djokovic beat Kyrgios in four sets in the Wimbledon final in July 2022
With rain threatening, the roof of the world’s biggest tennis stadium slid and collapsed in the face of the 24-year-old Australian’s ambitions, even as Popyrin delivered one of the finest performances of his career.
Djokovic, knee injured and all following meniscus surgery a month ago, was somehow able to hit his best form as he began to find his range and rhythm and, serving beautifully, prevailed 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3).
Earlier, the title hopes of De Minaur, the country’s number one, were given a huge boost when he was given the luxury of an easy last 16 win while his rivals continued to be frustrated by rain. In the fourth round he will play 20-year-old French star Arthur Fils.
The Australian number one’s path was made even easier after his third-round opponent Lucas Pouille told him he was withdrawing with a stomach injury one hour and 45 minutes before their match was due to start on Saturday.
Novak Djokovic put in a stunning performance at Wimbledon to beat Alexei Popyrin
De Minaur then had the luxury of a day off, opting to watch Popyrin’s rematch with Djokovic on television, the second part of a saga that began on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open in January, when the 24-time grand slam winner also prevailed in four sets.
“It was a very difficult match and I expected nothing less. I knew he was going to come with a lot of confidence in himself,” said Djokovic, greeting his brave opponent.
‘He was the better player in the first set, I tried hard, played a very good second and a really good third, and the fourth was in anyone’s hands.
“It was a very challenging match, mentally, just hanging in there.”
