Despite striking a deal to go out for dinner before their Wimbledon final last year, Novak Djokovic revealed he is yet to dine with Nick Kyrgios but hopes there “is going to be an opportunity” in Melbourne to change that.
Prior to their showdown at Wimbledon, Kyrgios and Djokovic struck up an odd bromance through a series of lighthearted posts on social media in which the Serbian star accepted Kyrgios’ proposal for “a drink or dinner” with the loser to foot the bill, to which Kyrgios agreed.
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Although Kyrgios won the first set, Djokovic proved too strong in the final as he won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to secure his seventh Wimbledon triumph.
The two will face off prior to the Australian Open in a practice match — an event Aussie tennis legend Pat Cash couldn’t believe was happening — but Djokovic hopes the two will be able to enjoy some time together off the court.
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“No, still no dinner, but Melbourne is going to be an opportunity to do that,” Djokovic told Tennis Majors.
Djokovic also believes the fact he and Kyrgios have become pals has also translated to the latter gaining some fans in Serbia for the way he stuck by him during his brief but eventful stay in Australia last year.
It could even open the door up for Kyrgios to play in a prominent tournament in Djokovic’s home country.
“As for the Serbia Open, considering that he was one of the very few people who stood by me and supported me in Australia, I think that people back home have changed their opinion about him [Kyrgios] in a positive way, many people are now eager to see him play,” Djokovic said.
“We are having conversations, we had them last year as well. We would love to have him there, I think that he would enjoy his time there and that he would have a lot of support.
“If he wants to, he is more than welcome.”
