Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has doubled down on his defence of Novak Djokovic after the Serbian ace was detained upon entry into Australia this week.
Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, is fighting to remain in Australia after arriving in Melbourne claiming to have received a medical exemption, before his documentation was revoked.
The 34-year-old is being held at an immigration detention hotel in Melbourne ahead of a court hearing on Monday to challenge the decision to cancel his visa.
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Kyrgios took to social media yesterday to slam the media and public treatment of Djokovic before launching a passionate plea today for everyone to “do better”.
While Kyrgios acknowledged his prior controversies with Djokovic – he famously labelled the world No.1 a “tool” last year – he said it was important to remember his contribution to Australia, including his donation to the bushfire appeal in 2020.
“I just want it to end. I’m feeling for him now. It’s not really humane, is it, what’s going on?” Kyrgios told reporters.
“If this was a normal person, they wouldn’t have to deal with this media side bulls–t.
“His life is probably hard enough as it is. I know what that’s like. I just hope it gets sorted soon.
“I don’t know if we’re on talking terms. But that’s the funny thing about me and Novak. We actually used to be friends. We used to practice at events and, again, the media has divided us, as well.
“They’ve just blown some of it out of proportion, and now it’s almost made it 30 times worse, where it was really not that bad.
“I remember Novak was one of the only actual players when I was young that came towards me and said if you ever need anything, feel free to reach out, and I’ll be open to help.
“We practiced together in Rome. I forgot my practice shoes in Rome one day and I ended up playing in Air Force Ones and I actually beat him in a set.
“But I feel like he’s helped us, as well. During the bushfires he was supportive, he was helping us out. We’re so quick to forget.
“He didn’t have to do that. Most athletes wouldn’t do that. They’re selfish, most athletes are. I don’t forget that.
“I could use this as a publicity stunt. I could just agree with the general person and say ‘Yeah, this isn’t good’.
“But I don’t think that’s right. I’m using this as a platform to say we have to do better. We have to do better.”
Kyrgios said it was vital for the success of the sport and the Australian Open tournament to have Djokovic’s participation.
“For the sport, we need him here. It’s that simple,” Kyrgios said.
“He’s one of the most influential sportspeople of all time. For the sport, as I said, if he’s ready and allowed to play, in a way, I think it’s good for our sport with all this attention.
“All I’m saying is if he’s allowed to play Australian Open I don’t want any bar of him. I reckon he’s going to be pissed off, very determined to play well and stick it to everyone. I don’t want any bar of that Novak.
“This is just all added fuel for him. In my opinion, we all know how good of a competitor he is. You don’t become a great champion like that without being able to overcome adversity like this.
“I’m sure he’s overcome a lot more challenging times than spending a couple more extra days in a hotel room.
“Look, all I’m saying is, he’s going to be dangerous if he’s on court at the Australian Open.
“I don’t want to play him right now, that’s for sure. Someone else can have that task.”
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