Nick Kyrgios has urged fans to appreciate just having Novak Djokovic around. Djokovic, 35, continues to enjoy perfect health and has indicated several times in recent months that he is not thinking of retiring yet.
But Federer, considered tennis’s greatest icon, retired after the 2022 Laver Cup. Without Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remain the only active members of the Big Three Group.
“I think it’s very important to have him around. Obviously, one of the greatest left us last year, Roger [Federer]and I don’t think we really knew how special these guys are to our sport.
So whenever Novak is around in one of these events, I want to beat him even if I can’t in a Grand Slam, but it’s very important to have him around because he’s one of the [jugadores] most important to our sport,” Kyrgios said, according to Sportskeeda.
Kyrgios wants Djokovic to receive a warm welcome at Melbourne Park
On Friday, Kyrgios defeated Djokovic in an exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena. After the match, Kyrgios spoke highly of Djokovic and urged the Melbourne crowd to show respect for the Serb when he takes the court for his Australian Open matches.
12 months ago, some Australians made it clear that they wanted Djokovic deported. Now Djokovic is back in Australia and is allowed to compete at the Australian Open. “I would just say that Novak is here and he hasn’t made any rules.
All he wants is to put on a show. Chase things that athletes rarely get to chase. He is one of the greatest athletes of all time, not just on the tennis court. He’s here to give a show in Melbourne.
I think as fans we should appreciate it. Obviously, I know there will be fans who don’t want me to win, but I don’t think they can cross that line as fans. You have paid money to watch a guy play.
It’s pretty counterintuitive if they’re going to go there and be a clown about it. After all, you have to respect him a bit, because he is one of the best”, explained Kyrgios. Djokovic worried a little before his first appearance at the Australian Open since he did not train this Sunday due to prevention.
However, this Monday he returned and had a new practice session before his debut against Carballes Baena, assuring those present on the field that he was fine and ready for his debut in the tournament that he has won nine times.
