Kyrgios hits back at 'role model' critics after practice match with Djokovic sells out
ATP
Many have felt the need to pass comment on the credibility of the now much-anticipated exhibition match between Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open.
However, those dismissing it may have to think again after the practice session sold out in less than an hour, in what will be a repeat of last year's Wimbledon final between two players who appear to be the best of friends after years of niggle.
Aussie Kyrgios has been known to speak his mind from time-to-time and he was at it again on social media on Tuesday when he took the opportunity to hit back at those who had dissed his appropriateness for tennis and his suitability as a role model.
He wrote:
“Wow Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow what a disgrace, a national embarrassment! How dare he sell out another stadium, the arrogance.”- Nick Kyrgios
The two players haven’t always seen eye-to-eye on the ATP Tour but heir relationship has considerably improved over the past 12 months.
Speaking to reporters last week, Djokovic once again thanked Kyrgios for the support he received from him 12 months ago when he was deported from Australia due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic said:
“I wasn’t his favourite guy – let’s take it that way – for many years. But he was one of the very few that stood by me last year, and I respect that and appreciate that.- Novak Djokovic
"In those moments you can actually see who truly supports you and who is by your side and who goes with, I guess, the flow of the society and the pressures that media puts on you. He was giving me undivided support in the moments where I was being challenged a lot, and him as an Australian, I respected that a lot. Since then, our relationship has changed for better.”
Tickets for the match were AUS$20 with proceeds from the sales going to the Australian Tennis Foundation, Tennis Australia and the Australian Open’s official charity.
These charities support brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through improved access and equity to engagement with tennis.
