Weeks after Nick Kyrgios called him a “tool” on Twitter, world number one Novak Djokovic said he respects the Australian tennis player’s game on the court – but not his conduct outside it.
“Off the court, I don’t have much respect for him, to be honest,” said Djokovic on Sunday during his pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open. “This is where I wrap up. I really don’t have any more comments for him, his own comments for me, or anything else he’s trying to do.”
Kyrgios criticized Djokovic for a list of suggestions that Djokovic sent to Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley last month, including reducing the mandatory quarantine period for players who preceded the event. Djokovic faced criticism from many in the country and, although he did not respond directly to Kyrgios’ tweet, he later issued an apology through social media and said that his “good intentions” were misinterpreted.
Djokovic, the eight-time champion in Melbourne, was asked by a reporter about Kyrgios and his comments, as well as Kyrgios’ popularity.
“I think he is good for the sport,” said Djokovic. “Obviously, he is a different person. He takes care of tennis, takes care of things outside the court in an authentic way. I have respect for him. I have respect for everyone, in fact, because everyone has the right and the freedom to choose how they want express themselves, what they want to do.
“My respect goes to him for the tennis he’s playing. I think he [a] very talented guy. He has a great game. He proved that he has the quality to beat any player in the world in the past. “
This was just the last back and forth exchange between the two players. Kyrgios also targeted Djokovic several times in 2020 to organize the Adria Tour exhibition event in the Balkans, which was canceled after several players, including Djokovic, contracted the coronavirus.
“Unfortunately, when he was supposed to show some leadership and humility, he disappeared”, Kyrgios tweeted In August. “Most would say that he got an L anyway.”
Djokovic opens his title defense at the Australian Open on Monday against Jeremy Chardy. The unprecedented Kyrgios, who reached the quarterfinals of the event in 2015, also plays on Monday against Frederico Ferreira Silva. Djokovic and Kyrgios can meet in the semifinals.