NEW YORK – What does Nick Kyrgios do when he goes out at night? Well, quite often – he calls Novak Djokovic.
The relationship between Kyrgios and Djokovic has shifted from animosity to friendship. When Kyrgios publicly supported the Serbian during the deportation saga at the 2022 Australian Open, things changed.
“Nick, unfortunately, never had the discipline that was needed. If he had 30 percent of the discipline required – and he has about five percent – he’d be Top 10 easily,” Djokovic told Serbian reporters, among them CLAY, about his rival from the 2022 Wimbledon final, in a story also published by RG Media.
Despite all the negative things the Australian had previously said about him, Djokovic has often underlined how much that support in Australia meant during one of the toughest moments of his career.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Because of injuries, Kyrgios has practically been absent from the tour for the past three years. In 2023, he played just one match, none in 2024, and this season he has a 1–4 record. In the meantime, he’s worked as a commentator, hosted a podcast, stayed active on social media, and, as Djokovic says in conversation with Serbian media – spent plenty of time in nightclubs.
“He sent me a video once. He loves sending me clips from nightclubs, bars – I didn’t even reply to the last one! He always says: ‘Why do I keep running into Serbs everywhere in the world?’ He’ll go to a party, bump into one of ours, they’ll say: ‘Nick, you Serb!’ Then they hug, drink, and he sends me the videos,” Djokovic said with a smile.
Kyrgios is now 30 years old, with seven career titles and a peak ranking of No. 13.
“I’d really love for him to come back, because he’s been through so much with injuries. He means a lot to our sport. As controversial and different as he is, people love it – he draws the crowds. I saw him talking with Bublik about playing a match against (Aryna) Sabalenka, a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ like Billie Jean King back in the day. That would be very interesting if it happens,” the Serbian explained, before adding: “I hope he can finish his career on the court. It would be a shame if injuries prevented him from playing at least a few more big tournaments. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the discipline that was required, but if he had 30 percent – and he has five percent – he’d be Top 10 easily. He played a Wimbledon final without warm-up, without serious training, without a coach, and beat all of us at the top.”
Djokovic stressed he’d love to see Kyrgios get the farewell he deserves.
“He has so much talent and potential, he could have done incredible things, but neglecting his body brought him where he is. As a friend, I really like him and hope he comes back – to play that match with Sabalenka and at least his Australian Open, because he deserves that. It’s not an easy situation for a tennis player – you don’t know, you’re neither here nor there, unofficially retired but still trying. I wish him all the best, and maybe a little less drinking and sending those videos,” Djokovic said with another smile.
As for Djokovic himself, he’s preparing for a record 53rd Grand Slam semifinal on Friday against Carlos Alcaraz. Kyrgios, who has said recently he’ll be cheering for the Serbian, will be watching – and hoping Djokovic edges closer to that 25th major title.
