Nick Kyrgios and his former rival Novak Djokovic had a relaxing training session at Wimbledon. The Australian fanatic hopes to be back in action soon.
Kyrgios, who finished runner-up to Djokovic in the men’s singles in 2022, has joined the BBC’s expert team for this year’s tournament in south-west London after withdrawing due to injury.
The 29-year-old has proven his skills as an analyst while on the sidelines, impressing fans during appearances on Eurosport at the Australian Open and on the Tennis Channel.
The Australian star is looking to return to action next month and managed to score a goal for his friend ahead of the match between Djokovic and Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.
“I feel like a little kid again,” Kyrgios sent to X before stepping onto the court with Djokovic.
The pair joked during the session, with the Australian at one point saying: “I know your moves, you’re just too good.”
The blossoming friendship between Kyrgios and Djokovic seemed unlikely in 2019, when the former strongly criticized the 10-time Australian Open champion on a New York Times podcast.
“I feel like he has a sick obsession with being liked,” Kyrgios said.
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic took to the court for a training session at Wimbledon
“He just wants to be like Roger. For me personally – I don’t care now, I’ve come this far – I feel like he just wants to be liked so badly that I just can’t stand him.”
Two years later, the Canberra-born star hit out at Djokovic again, condemning his “stupid” decision to host a tennis charity event in Croatia, which resulted in a number of players contracting Covid-19.
Today, the Australian and the Serbian superstar have a close friendship that tennis fans love to see.
On Sunday morning, Australian Alexei Popyrin could only dream of one set, until Djokovic shattered his Centre Court fantasy. Alex de Minaur was once again the only Australian singles player to survive Wimbledon.
Popyrin from Sydney won brilliantly in the third round against the seven-time champion, but that was all that was needed.
Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in four sets in the Wimbledon final in July 2022
As it threatened to rain, the roof was pulled down over the world’s largest tennis court. The roof collapsed under the ambitions of the 24-year-old Australian, but Popyrin still delivered one of the best performances of his career.
Djokovic, who suffered a knee injury a month ago following meniscus surgery, was somehow able to conjure up his best form as he began to find his rhythm and range and, with a beautiful serve, led the match to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory.
Earlier, the title hopes of de Minaur, the country’s No. 1, were given a major boost when he was given the luxury of a walkover into the last 16, with his rivals still frustrated by the rain. He will play rising 20-year-old French star Arthur Fils in the fourth round.
The Australian No. 1 was made even more difficult after his third-round opponent Lucas Pouille informed him he would have to retire with a stomach injury an hour and 45 minutes before the start of their match on Saturday.
Novak Djokovic delivered an impressive performance at Wimbledon, beating Alexei Popyrin
De Minaur then enjoyed a relaxing day, deciding to watch the Popyrin-Djokovic rematch on TV. It was the second part of a saga that began on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open in January, when the 24-time grand slam champion also won in four sets.
“A very tough match, and I didn’t expect anything else. I knew he would come with a lot of confidence,” Djokovic said, greeting his brave opponent.
‘He was the better player in the first set, I persevered, played a very good second and third set and the fourth was for everyone.
‘It was quite a challenge mentally to keep going.’
