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Nick Kyrgios hopes to lean on foe-turned-friend Novak Djokovic for invaluable Australian Open match apply, however on one situation.
Djokovic confirmed on Thursday he is planning to play the Australian in a apply match in Melbourne, though Kyrgios has requested they play shorter units.
It could doubtless be Kyrgios’s solely motion earlier than the 12 months’s first main, the Australian a controversial late withdrawal from the maiden United Cup with an ankle damage.
“We’re speaking with the Australian Open about doing one thing in every week previous to the beginning of the event,” Djokovic confirmed after reserving a quarter-final berth on the Adelaide Worldwide 1.
“Sure, I chatted with Nick, and I want to play with him, and he accepted, however he desires shorter units. Let’s examine if that works out.”
Djokovic, a nine-time winner at Melbourne Park, mentioned the spectacle can be a part of the brand new Tennis Australia initiative that features ticketed apply matches on Rod Laver Area earlier than the principle occasion begins on January 16.
“I am comfortable if that can be organized; we’re nonetheless not having 100 % affirmation, however I believe most certainly will occur with Nick, so I am wanting ahead to that,” Djokovic mentioned.
The world No.22 misplaced to Djokovic in final 12 months’s Wimbledon last, the 21-time main title winner declaring “it is formally a bromance” after softening the Australian throughout a pre-final apply session the place it was determined the winner would pay for dinner.
Kyrgios, who had beforehand referred to as Djokovic a “instrument” and mocked his post-match celebrations, defended him amid his deportation from Australia earlier than the 2022 event over his unvaccinated standing.
“I wasn’t his favourite man, let’s take it that approach, for a few years,” conceded Djokovic, who might additionally play doubles with Kyrgios later this 12 months.
“However he was one of many only a few that stood by me final 12 months, and I respect that and admire that.
“In these moments you may truly see who really helps you and who’s by your aspect and who goes with the circulation of society and the pressures that the media places on you.
“He was giving me undivided assist within the moments the place I used to be being challenged rather a lot, and him as an Australian, I revered that rather a lot.
“Since then, our relationship has modified for the higher.”
-AAP
