Novak Djokovic is always very honest and open to the questions that come his way in the post-match press conferences however, that would not be true for Nick Kyrgios throughout his colorful career that always created buzz and drama.
The 28-year-old had to pull out of majority of 2023 ATP events because of multiple injuries however, his colorful aura has been missed on and off-court by his loyal fans. Kyrgios has once again come to the defense of the 23-time GS champion Novak Djokovic as the once feuding duo have reignited the professional bromance in the latter part of their careers.
As an outspoken critic of the Serbian, Canberra-native for many years never missed many chances to criticize his opponent however, the trend after the 36-year old’s failed bid to compete at 2021 Australian Open and also culminated in his deportation from Melbourne for being non-vaccinated.
The pair then strengthened their bond after contesting a thrilling 2022 Wimbledon Singles final and the Maverick Aussie has now taken to social media to offer support to the 7-time Wimbledon champion.
After Djokovic prevailed against Home hope Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinal, the 23-time GS champion was asked to elaborate on his past comments suggesting that he can be a difficult person to be around during majors.
The question was met with a bow raising response from Kyrgios on Twitter/X:
“Typical idiotic question. The guy is arguably the greatest athlete of all time. Clearly has never been in competition of a decent level in his life.”
However, Djokovic’s response was more measured and a polite one with the 23-time GS champion asserting that all top players have to cope with pressure at the biggest stages like majors.
He served up a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Fritz in the quarters on Tuesday as he tightened the lid on both unforced error count and Fritz to complete another clinical execution on court. The match however, also saw furious Serb yelled at his box which included his family and coach Goran Ivanesevic among others.
Djokovic would not offer an apology for his passion on and off the court while revealing the high standards he sets for himself and his team.
“Who is not difficult,” asked Djokovic, when asked about why he perplexes his team during his matches.
“I care about this profession and I take it very seriously. I know a lot of the other players do too.
“We expect the highest levels of dedication from our team members, as they expect from us.
“Overall, we are a team and we stick together. We have had some tremendous success in the last couple of years and I am pleased with where I stand.
“Yes I can be difficult, but I don’t know a player who is playing at the highest level and everything if flowers and music.
“It has to be challenging for everyone, for the player and the coaching staff, or there is no growth.
“That’s how you push yourself to the limit. You need to understand how you can develop the game and how you can become better on and off the court.”
Djokovic vs Kyrgios is a mouthwatering matchup that everyone would like to witness on a tennis court once again, but there have been no hints about when the big serving – both on and off the court – Aussie will return to the tour. For now, his fans must enjoy what he is doing for them on social sites.