Nick Kyrgios has called for Australian authorities and fans to welcome Novak Djokovic with “open arms” this summer, describing the controversial Serbian as one of the reasons he plays the game.
Djokovic prevailed against Kyrgios in this year’s Wimbledon final, but it remains to be seen if he will be again blocked from competing in the Australian Open over his anti-vaccination stance.
The former world No.1 said earlier this week he had received “positive signs” that he will be allowed to compete despite being under a three-year visa ban, although an official ruling hasn’t yet been made.
Kyrgios said the retirement of the big drawcard Roger Federer meant it was now even more important for Djokovic to participate.
“I hope he is here, for the sport,” Kyrgios said.
“We just saw one of the legends leave the sport, Roger, and that’s going to be some shoes that no one is ever going to be able to fill.
Nick Kyrgios and Tim Tszyu at the opening of the NBA store in Sydney.Credit:SMH
“While Novak and Rafa [Rafael Nadal] are still around, we need these types of players. Otherwise, the people of Australia love the AO, Ash Barty brought us crowds, me and Thanasi [Kokkinakis] won it.
“We want to see the best players in the world there. Me being a competitor, I want to see Novak there.“”
Reminded that Djokovic’s presence would make his task of winning a home grand slam more difficult, the Australian said: “Of course, you want to have those guys there.
“He’s some of the reason why I play. As a kid, you want to play the best players in the world in the best stadiums. Hopefully, he is there.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios after the Wimbledon final.Credit:Getty Images
“He’s had a rough run the last nine months and not being able to play here, play here, not being able to play here, hopefully, Australia welcomes him with open arms this time.”
Kyrgios joined fellow sporting stars including Tim Tszyu, Harry Garside, Jake Floyd and Shyla Heal in launching Sydney’s first NBA store in Martin Place on Friday.
He also expressed an interest in participating in the first annual United Cup, a new mixed-teams tournament that will be played across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney ahead of the Australian Open. The world No.20 said the format and the $23 million in prize money held appeal.
“It’s important to have events where males and females compete together,” he said.
Kyrgios said he felt like a “legit slam contender” after a breakout season which will finish with singles commitments at exhibition tournaments in Mexico and Dubai. The world No.20, an avid basketball fan, added that he felt for maligned Australian NBA star Ben Simmons, who has had an indifferent start to the season for Brooklyn.
“He’s an NBA All Star, not many guys can say that,” Kyrgios said. “With those kinds of accolades comes an enormous amount of responsibility and pressure.
“I can only imagine what he’s going through. I’ve experienced my fair share, the negativity is hard. I would say to keep going, try to navigate through the storm. He’s a hell of a player, the media and people like to zone in on weaknesses of people and not really focus on the strengths. I’m behind him, I want to see him succeed, as I do all Australian athletes.”
The Australian Open men’s tennis final falls on the same date as Tszyu’s undisputed boxing world title fight against American Jermall Charlo. Both Australians are confident of their chances of making it a memorable occasion for local sporting fans.
“That would be massive if he can pull it off,” Tszyu said. “When I pull it off, it will be massive. “Australian sport in general is at a peak right now.”
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