Nick Kyrgios isn’t simply locked in to play the Australian Open, he’s going to heat up with a showdown in opposition to nine-time champ Novak Djokovic.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley confirmed Kyrgios, who has been battling an ankle damage, would tackle Djokovic this Friday evening in an exhibition match “extravaganza”.
Tickets will likely be offered for the match, which might pack out Rod Laver Area, with all proceeds going to charity.
The pair squared off within the 2022 Wimbledon closing, gained by Djokovic, who revealed a keenness for Kyrgios because of his help of the Serbian throughout final 12 months’s deportation drama.
Tiley, who made the announcement on Monday morning, has been in communication with Kyrgios’ crew and been given assurances the Australian, who dropped out of the United Cup on the final minute, could be able to go.
Friday’s match may also be Djokovic’s first at Melbourne Park since he was compelled out of final 12 months’s event and deported amid a Covid vaccination saga.
After successful the Adelaide Worldwide on Sunday, Djokovic declared he held “no grudges” over final 12 months’s saga and had obtained nothing however love since his arrival in Australia.
Tiley has repeatedly mentioned he was assured there could be no backlash as soon as Djokovic arrives in Melbourne and reiterated that on Monday, assured his return on Friday evening could be celebrated.
“He actually loved the expertise in South Australia and he was welcomed … he beloved it there,” Tiley mentioned.
“I really like that our followers are sporting followers and are among the many most educated and admire greatness. They admire gamers like Novak which have gained this occasion 9 occasions.
“Novak is again and I’m fairly assured that the Melbourne followers – much like the expertise he had in Adelaide – will likely be simply nearly as good.”
