Novak Djokovic of Serbia during his final tennis match against Sebastian Korda of the United States at the Adelaide International in Adelaide, Australia January 8, 2023. (Lauren Elliott/Reuters)
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will rekindle their bromance by having a practice match ahead of the Australian Open, giving the latter a chance to stretch his legs before the first Grand Slam of the year.
Kyrgios, ranked 22nd in the world and last year’s Wimbledon finalist, hasn’t played since October. He missed the United Cup and also missed the warm-up tournament due to his ankle injury.
Organizers of the Australian Open said “tennis’ most famous fanatics” will face off at Rod Laver Arena on Friday.
Djokovic said he had discussed playing a practice match with Kyrgios last week, adding that Kyrgios wanted shorter sets.
The pair were once at odds, but developed a frosty relationship when Kyrgios called Djokovic a “boneheaded” “tool”.
But Kyrgios defended the Serb when he was detained and deported before last year’s Australian Open, and an unexpected friendship developed between the two ahead of the Wimbledon final, which Djokovic won in four sets. sprouted.
