“Just competitors,” Nick Kyrgios compares his relationship with Novak Djokovic to that of Federer and Nadal
Nick Kyrgios consider his relationship with Novak Djokovic really close and special compared to his realtionship with both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
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Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
There has been a lot of transformations in Nick Kyrgios‘ career in past one year. From being a ‘bad bully‘ to the crowd-favorite to win the Australian Open 2023, he has gone from a ‘villain’ to a ‘hero’. For many Australian kids he is an inspiration. However, he had to deal with lot of criticism when he spoke against Australian Government’s move to not allow nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic to compete in Australian Open 2022 and was deported disgracefully from Down Under just a day before the start of the tournament, last January.
However, the Australian, amid all the loud chatter against him, won the Australian Open 2022 doubles event with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. Soon, he surprised everyone by reaching the final of the Wimbledon 2022. However, he could not win The Championships. But he won the Washington Open 2022, defeating Yoshihito Nishioka in the final 6-4, 6-3. This was his only ATP singles title of the season.
Also, his relationship with the Serb has also improved. Many people call it a ‘bromance’, although, Nick Kyrgios has never admitted it as such. In a pre-tournament interaction with media, for the Australian Open 2023, the World No.22, talked on many issues and answered a few questions. Meanwhile, a journalist asked him about his relationship with the 21-time Grand Slam champion and the transformation in a year in this relationship.
“Well, I think… you know I have had relationships in the past where… you have a certain feeling about someone or they do certain things that…rub you in the wrong way or anything like that but I think the challenge that he faced a year ago, with the whole covid situation and no one really stood up for him that was a real life moment where the people that actually care about your well-being will stand up for you. And I just did that. I felt like it was necessary and obviously that was more important than anything that I had said previously or done previously.
“I went against my words and stood up for him in front of my country and that was not easy for me either. I dealt with lot of criticism but he appreciated that and obviously we spoke after that and I have obviously grown up a lot since that interview I did,” he answered.
He was also asked whether he regretted that decsion to support Novak Djokovic. He replied it in the negative and threw light on his relationship with The Big Three.
“I don’t really regret anything. I think life is too short to regret. You kinda learn from these experiences and they are all kind of building blocks. So, no I don’t regret it. But at the same time I think that it’s made our relationship more special now that it’s gone from a rough sort of a place to now we are helping each other out on the biggest stage. We are just great competitors. To think I am able to do that with the greatest of all times is cool. My relationship with The Big Three is all different. I am really close with Novak now, quite close with Roger, and me and Rafa…we just do that when we walk past each other. Yeah, its pretty cool,” he said.
Related: WHY NOT! Nick Kyrgios fancies his chances at the 2023 Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios will need crowd support
At the Australian Open, this time, Australian fans will be behind him as he will walk on the court. A glimpse of which was seen when he entered the court to play with Novak Djokovic for an exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena on Friday. He got a loud reception from the crowd.
However, the road to triumph at Australian Open 2023 for Nick Kyrgios is not going to be easy. He may have to face both the greats to win the tournament. If he is able to reach the quarter-finals, he may have to play against Novak Djokovic. If he passes this challenge, he does have a chance to lay his claim on the trophy.
However, he may still have to win against Rafael Nadal in the final to clinch his career’s maiden Grand Slam men’s singles title. Besides, singles event, he will also be defending his doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis at the tournament.
But in his way, Australian crowd will also support him as well as other Australian players. Hence, the 27-year-old has to raise his game in order to win this Grand Slam title.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)