Nick Kyrgios claims support for Novak Djokovic: “Due act”

An act of solidarity with a great colleague, complete with explanation.

Novak Djokovic returned to play in Australia a year after his suspension forced him to miss the Australian Open: he did so against Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena with charitable purposes, and his opponent himself wanted to explain the deeper reason for the initiative.

“I was able to raise money for charity, while also making Djokovic feel at home again in the Slam where he has done best over the course of his career,” Kyrgios remarked at the press conference. “So many people came to see us play, and we were an inspiration to so many young people. That, for me, has always been a priority.”

Kyrgios also added that this occasion represents a turning point for him from the past: “I happened to have developed some animosity toward some opponents. But Djokovic faced a challenge by standing completely alone. So I think standing up for him was a necessary act, more important than anything that has happened between us before.”

“I went against my own words, defending Djokovic in front of my country. I was very criticized for that, and it was not easy for me. But he appreciated it, we talked about it for a long time, and I consider myself very grown up after this. I do not regret any of my actions, neither past ones nor this one,” Kyrgios said.