Novak Djokovic’s brother Djordje reveals why Nick Kyrgios refused to play at Serbian Open this year
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Djordje Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios
In what was a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic found unlikely support from Nick Kyrgios when the World No. 1 was put in federal quarantine during the entire drama in Australia prior to the 2022 Australian Open. Kyrgios had earlier been one of the harshest critics of the 20-time Grand Slam champion but backed him this time speaking against his own country’s government.
While Nick did not interfere in the State policies, he reminded that Novak has always been helpful towards the Australians not only by playing at various events but also by donating and turning up for exhibition matches during natural calamities in the country and the way he was treated was not correct according to Nick.
As a sign of gratitude for the unlikely support, Novak’s brother Djordje, who is also the tournament director of the Serbian Open played on the Claycourts of the Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade, invited Nick to the event this year. The Australian however declined to be a part of the tournament as he had already announced his plan to skip the Clay season apart from playing in the 2022 Houston Claycourt Championships. his only clay event for the season.
Djordje has however taken an extra step and has already started negotiating with Nick to play in the event next season and is hellbent on getting the Australian to the ATP-250 event.
“Belgrade is open to everyone. We absolutely invite all tennis players, including Nick Kyrgios, with whom we failed to reach an agreement this year because he is not a big fan of clay tournaments and he does not hide it. We have already entered into negotiations with him for next year and I think it would be great for Nick to introduce himself to the home crowd,” said Djordje in a pre-tournament press conference with the event starting on 18th April.
Nick Kyrgios plans to participate in the Clay season in 2023
Nick’s reason and motivation are always different to what the rest of the Tour has. With his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi travelling with him this season so far, Nick decided to skip the Golden Swing as Costeen was homesick and given Nick’s lesser affection towards the surface, he will be training for the Grass season for the next few weeks.
Kyrgios will however play in the 2023 French Open as confirmed by him during his stint in Houston, a return to the event after 5 years. The reason for his participation is again bizarre as Costeen wishes to visit and shop in Paris and with the major being played in the French capital, Nick will be playing the major as well. Given his plans to play in Roland Garros, he might actually play in Belgrade for extra match practice.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)