We doubt they are so friendly on the center court.
Nick Kyrgios talked about his “bromance” with Novak Djokovic at his last press conference before the Wimbledon final on Sunday night and the couple are embracing their new love for each other.
Watch Tennis live with beIN SPORTS in Kayo. Live coverage of ATP + WTA tournaments, including all final matches. Are we Kayo? Start your free trial now>
Just 18 months ago, Kyrgios told reporters at the 2021 Australian Open that he did not like the Serbian star “at all”, but after Canberran was one of the few players to publicly support Djokovic during his deportation test to Down Under earlier this year, the duo have become unlikely allies.
Re-posting a tweet from Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo about improving the relationship of rivals in his Instagram story, Kyrgios asked Djokovic if they were “friends now.”
Djokovic responded to his own Instagram account, writing, “If you invite me over for a drink or dinner, I’ll accept. Tomorrow’s PS winner pays.”
Kyrgios continued the joke and replied, “Trac, let’s go to a nightclub and go crazy.”
It seems that the couple are the best partners. Photo: Instagram.Font: SuppliedKyrgios is not taken too seriously before the final. Photo: Instagram.Font: supplied
MORE COVERAGE
“Nike was ballistic”: the moment he summed up misinterpreted Kyrgios
KINGS BACK! The Australian duo wins the Wimbledon doubles title in a five-set thriller
Incredible bets on the decisive epic of Wimbledon as Kyrgios guaranteed a payday of $ 1.8 million
The social media game caught the attention of the tennis world on Sunday as the posts went viral. Host and presenter Blair Henley tweeted the exchange and wrote, “Welcome to the Twilight Zone.”
Tennis writer Erik Gudris said Wimbledon “has become weirder,” while journalist and podcaster Ben Rothenberg added, “It’s getting weird.”
The Tennis Channel tweeted, “What a joke! Will we see @NickKyrgios and @DjokerNole together at a nightclub after the game (laugh emoji)?”
ESPN’s Archy Maine reacted by saying, “I definitely think it’s a joke.”
Ozmo himself re-posted the exchange on Twitter with three laugh / cry emojis.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kyrgios explained how he had gone from rejecting Djokovic for his behavior during the pandemic to respecting the man he will face in the most important match of his career.
“We definitely have a bit of bromance now, which is weird,” Kyrgios said.
“Everyone knows there was no love lost for a while. I think it was healthy for the sport. Every time we played, there was hype. It was interesting for the media, the people watching, all of that.
“I felt like I was almost the only player who defended him with all the drama of the Australian Open. I think that’s where he earns respect. Not on the tennis court, but when there’s a crisis of real life and someone defends you.
“We’re actually texting each other for direct messages on Instagram now. It’s really weird. Earlier in the week he said, ‘I hope to see you on Sunday.’
When they told him about Kyrgios’ statements, Djokovic said, “I don’t know if we can still call it bromance, but we have a much better relationship. I have a lot of respect for having joined in January.”
“Honestly, as a tennis fan, I’m glad he’s in the final because he’s very talented,” Djokovic added after defeating Cameron Norrie in the semifinals. “For the quality player he is, this is where he should be and he deserves to be.”
Who will come out on top? (Photo by Glyn KIRK and SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) Source: AFP
The delicacies between the two are far from 2019, when Kyrgios declared that Djokovic “just wants to be Federer” and criticized his celebration after the match where he would walk to the center of the court and recognize the four sections of the crowd as the Swiss. master.
“I feel like he wants you to like him so much that I can’t stand him,” Kyrgios told the There are no challenges left podcast.
“This celebration is very worthy.
“It’s amazing, a champion of the sport, one of the best we’ll ever see. I think he will get the Grand Slam count and beat Federer.
“But we are talking about a boy who retired from the Australian Open a year ago because it was too hot. No matter how many Grand Slams I win, it will never be the best for me.
“Novak just pisses me off the wrong way. He always says what he thinks he has to say more than his real opinion.
“The celebration kills me. Every time he does, he kills me. “
These days, Kyrgios has nothing but respect for Djokovic and described the 20-time Grand Slam champion as a “winner” when asked before Sunday’s decision if he was willing to take a step back and lead the era. subsequent to the Great Three.
“No. No, no, no,” Kyrgios said. “I don’t think anyone is able to fill those shoes. We have a lot of young players coming in … but no one is able to fill those shoes.
“We will never see a competitor like Rafa again. You will never see someone handle a racket like Roger so easily. And you’ll never see anyone just win and make the game as good as Djokovic.
“Once they leave, I’m not sure (where tennis is going). If I’m ever able to lift a Grand Slam trophy, please don’t pressure me to do another one.”