TIME WITH KYRGIOS

Q

The Australian Open is just around the corner. Who are your tips to win it?

A

I think for Novak (Djokovic), it will be tough for him with such a long layoff. I would have to go Roger (Federer) again. In the women’s, if Serena could do it, it would be a pretty crazy story to come back after giving birth. I would like to see Serena do it. After becoming a mother that would be pretty cool.

Q

You get along pretty well with Nick Kyrgios from what I understand. How do you reckon he will go at the Aussie Open given the usual pressure?

A

I hit with him recently up in Brisbane. He is hitting the ball well. He has actually done a pretty good pre-season. You never truly know how Nick is going to go but I think he’s set himself up nicely for the summer.

Q

He has drawn all sorts of perceptions in the public eye over the years but what is he really like as a mate?

A

To be honest, we were very good mates and then we kind of lost touch for a little while. When I had my daughter, he evaded big time but we have become pretty close again in the past couple of months. When I played in Canberra (late last year) we caught up a few times and in Brisbane as well. In the media he is hard done by. I think the media don’t really know him close but if you’re in his circle of friends, he is a really good guy.