Kyrgios reveals frosty relationship with Serb has turned

NICK KYRGIOS and Novak Djokovic may have had a frosty relationship over the years, but the Australian now says it is more of a “bromance”.

Kyrgios, who will face the Serbian six-time champion in tomorrow’s final, caused a stir on a podcast in 2019 when he branded Djokovic “cringeworthy” and claimed he was obsessed with wanting to be liked.

But after Kyrgios criticised Djokovic’s treatment by border officials in his homeland ahead of this year’s Australian Open, he says they are now so friendly they even exchange messages on social media.

“We definitely have a bit of a bromance now, which is weird,” said the world No. 40. “I think everyone knows there was no love lost for a while there. I think it was healthy for the sport. I think every time we played each other, there was hype around it. It was interesting for the media, the people watching, all that.

“I felt like I was almost the only player to stand up for him with all that drama at the Australian

Open. I feel like that’s where respect is kind of earned. Not on the tennis court, but I feel like when a real-life crisis is happening and someone stands up for you.

“We actually message each other on DMs in Instagram now and stuff. It’s real weird. Actually, earlier in the week, he was like ‘hopefully I’ll see you Sunday’.”

Djokovic smiled when Kyrgios’ comments were put to him after his four-set victory over Cameron Norrie.

“I don’t know if I can call it a bromance, yet, but we definitely have a better relationship than what it was probably prior to January this year,” he said.

“But when it was really tough for me in Australia, he was one of the very few players that came out publicly and supported me and stood by me. That’s something I truly appreciate. So I respect him for that a lot.”

Kyrgios continues to divide opinion with his on-court behaviour, but Australian former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis says that is what makes him so dangerous.

“Look, we all know he has the game to go all the way,” said Philippoussis. “That’s never been the issue. He’s got to stay focused. He’s got an opportunity.

“When he made the quarters last time he was a raw teenager, everything was fresh, new and exciting and there were no expectations. Now we know he’s got a lot of experience, we know he’s got the game.

“He plays better when he creates the drama and guys lose focus, it’s part of his game. Has he got an opportunity? Absolutely. Anything can happen in tennis.”

Krygios revealed he could not

sleep after hearing the news that he was a Wimbledon finalist after Rafael Nadal, his semi-final opponent, withdrew from the match due to his abdominal injury.

“I found out last night at dinner,” said Kyrgios. “Honestly my first feeling was a bit of disappointment. My energy was so focused on playing him and tactically how I’m going to go out there and play, the emotions of walking out there, all that type of stuff.

“It wouldn’t have been easy for him to do that. I’m sure at the end of the day everyone did want to see us go to war out there. I hope he just gets better.

“I had a shocking sleep last night. I probably got an hour’s sleep just with everything, like the excitement. I had so much anxiety, I was already feeling so nervous, and I don’t feel nervous usually. I was just restless, so many thoughts in my head about a Wimbledon final. That’s all I was thinking about, imagining myself winning, imagining myself losing, everything.

“Hopefully tonight I’ll get a better rest.”