DUBAI – Nick Kyrgios believes Novak Djokovic “needs to be playing at all costs” and is happy the Serb will be allowed back into Australia to compete in the opening Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne in January.
Djokovic was banned from returning to Australia as a consequence of being deported earlier in 2022 over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
However, that decision has been reversed and the 21-time Grand Slam champion will get the opportunity to vie for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown in a few weeks’ time.
Even though they are rivals on court, most recently in the Wimbledon final in which Djokovic won, Kyrgios, 27, was one of the most outspoken players advocating for the Serb during his deportation debacle last January.
The Australian world No. 22 feels the 35-year-old’s presence is essential at every event.
“I think Novak needs to be playing at all costs,” Kyrgios told AFP at the World Tennis League (WTL) in Dubai on Wednesday.
“He’s one of the greatest of all time and as long as he’s going to be playing and hanging around, we need him at these tournaments.”
Djokovic’s absence from two of the four Grand Slams in 2022 – including the US Open – due to his vaccination status has made way for young talent to emerge.
Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz claimed a maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows and as a result became the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history.
“I think, as a competitor, I want to see him there,” Kyrgios added of Djokovic playing at the Australian Open.
“And if I win a tournament, if you don’t go through Novak, then you kind of know the tournament isn’t really a tournament.”
Kyrgios and Djokovic were scheduled to square off in Dubai on Wednesday but the Serb pulled out ahead of the match and was replaced by his teammate Grigor Dimitrov.
“Novak Djokovic announced that he would not be partaking in the World Tennis League event tonight (Dec 21) due to not feeling 100 per cent well enough to play,” read a statement released by the WTL.
“Team Falcons will continue to play against Team Eagles and we look forward to Novak’s return to centre court.”
Kyrgios was initially keen to get back on court against Djokovic.
“I was pretty excited to play Novak obviously, since the Wimbledon final and all that, wanted to go out there and have some fun with him,” he said.
“But he’s got to look after his body and obviously he’s a got a big couple of months coming up with a lot of expectations, so I wasn’t surprised if he wasn’t feeling 100 per cent to get out there.”
The WTL is a mixed team event taking place at Dubai’s Coca Cola Arena featuring 18 of the world’s top players between Dec 19 and 24.
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Kyrgios hinted that he may step away from the sport if he manages to win the elusive first Grand Slam.
“Hopefully I can win a Slam and just retire,” he said. AFP
