Tennis

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios: Story behind feud reignited during Australian Open


Nick Kyrgios reignited his feud with Novak Djokovic this week by admitting he doesn’t like the world number one. The two have been engaged in a bitter dispute for quite some time now.

Kyrgios couldn’t help himself at a press conference on Sunday morning as he aimed a cheeky jab at Djokovic.

The Australian was asked about his long-standing feud with the world number one and tried to play it off as “banter” before things got serious.

Kyrgios took time before his doubles match on Sunday to imitate Djokovic’s trademark celebration before admitting he simply doesn’t like the Serbian star.

Speaking after the match, he said: “We’re just having some fun.

“Novak, I’m sure, doesn’t like me and we both have respect for each other, but I don’t like him at all, so it’s fun.”

Kyrgios remains one of the few players in tennis to have a winning record against Djokovic – something that not Andy Murray, Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal can boast.

Last year, they butted heads on numerous occasions despite not meeting on the court.

While Kyrgios started his own foundation – the NK Foundation, which helps underprivileged children participate in sport – Djokovic was widely criticised for his actions throughout the pandemic.

Kyrgios branded him a “tool” on Twitter after Djokovic spoke of his displeasure about the treatment of players in the build-up to the Australian Open.

Djokovic was said to have issued a list of demands to tournament organisers, having been less than impressed with the mandatory quarantine.

Kyrgios responded: “Djokovic is a tool.”

Last year, with the tennis season suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Djokovic opted to start his own tour in order to give players the chance to compete.

The ill-fated Adria Tour saw numerous players test positive for coronavirus, and Djokovic himself contracted the disease.

The world number one, who has been vocal in his opposition to vaccinations – was also seen partying shirtless in a nightclub.

Kyrgios responded: “Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE.”

The Australian continued his back-and-forth with Djokovic after arriving in Melbourne this year.

Kyrgios expressed his annoyance with Djokovic’s actions throughout last year.

“He’s a very strange cat, Novak is,” he said.

“Heck of a tennis player, but unfortunately someone that’s partying with his shirt off during a global pandemic, I don’t know if I can take any slack from that man.

“That’s as bad as it gets for me.”





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