Nick Kyrgios admits his ‘crazy’ relationship with Novak Djokovic was completely unexpected
Nick Kyrgios admitted his surprise with the relationship he now has with Novak Djokovic.
The Australian has been both a divisive and controversial figure throughout his career yet is such an entertaining player to watch.
Nick Kyrgios is also not afraid to speak his mind as was very clear on his thoughts of Novak Djokovic several years ago, which is a far cry from how he feels about him now.
In fact, they’re such good friends to the point that the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up is surprised by the relationship he has now formed with the Olympic champion.
What did Nick Kyrgios say about his relationship with Novak Djokovic?
Kyrgios made clear how he felt about Djokovic back in 2020 when he criticised the 37-year-old for organising a tennis event during the covid-19 pandemic which ultimately spread the virus.
Furthermore, on the eve of the 2021 Australian Open, Kyrgios criticised Djokovic for writing a letter to tournament director Craig Tiley to ease the coronavirus restrictions.
Djokovic also said he had no respect for the 29-year-old on a personal level, but they have since developed a close bond that has left Kyrgios shocked.
“The fact that I played a Slam final with Novak at Wimbledon is crazy, because we’re so different that now we’re like friends and it’s amazing and I get to hit with him and help him, it’s pretty cool,” he told the Tennis Insider Club podcast.
“I never thought that I’d be really good friends with Novak Djokovic at all, and it’s not just on the courts. It’s like, we text each other, we send ridiculous memes and all this stuff on Instagram.”
What does Novak Djokovic think of Nick Kyrgios now?
The public seemed to be made aware of the changed relationship between Kyrgios and Djokovic after the 2022 Wimbledon final.
The former World number one claimed a four-set win to win his seventh title at SW19 and described Kyrgios as a deserving finalist, and “one of the best players in the world.”
They began to banter on social media and have since played exhibition matches against one another and they practice together.
Furthermore, Kyrgios defended Djokovic after he was deported from Australia before the 2022 Australian Open, which went a long way with the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
“I never thought I’m going to say so many nice things about you,” the Serb joked. During an appearance on Kyrgios’ Good Trouble podcast. “OK, it’s officially a bromance.”
“You were pushing all the buttons, man, then two years ago … what happened here in Australia for me, I don’t want to go back, but, you know, we had a tough time, and you stood up for me.
“That was a big surprise. You were one of the very few colleagues that stood up that used his platform, used his voice, to support me. That’s something that I’ll never forget, and since that moment, our relationship has gotten better.”
