With another Australian Open approaching and Novak Djokovic once again fielding questions about how much longer he will compete, Nick Kyrgios has stepped forward with a blunt message for critics: give the Serbian great room to simply play.
The Australian, who has grown unexpectedly close to Djokovic in recent years, believes the constant speculation does more harm than good, especially for a player who has already rewritten the record books.
Kyrgios recently spoke with SBS Sport at the Kooyong Classic, reflecting on how their dynamic has evolved from rivalry to genuine friendship.
“We do get along very well. We do get along very well now. When he is around me, he just feels like he is a bit of a kid again,” Kyrgios said.
“He is a big kid, Novak, and I think he just has so much pressure everywhere he goes, and we always talk like, is he gonna retire, is he gonna do something like…
“Can we just let him go around and play like, regardless of if he loses the first round or wins a Slam? Like, what more does he have to do? As long as he hangs around, it’s only good for the sport.”
The timing of Kyrgios‘ remarks is significant. Djokovic, 38, is preparing for another run in Melbourne while managing physical questions after cutting short a recent practice session due to neck discomfort and withdrawing from an earlier warm up event because he was not fully fit.
Those developments have only intensified speculation about whether the 24 time Grand Slam champion is nearing the end of his career.
A friendship that reshaped perspective
The two players recently shared the court in doubles at the Brisbane International, advancing through the opening round before exiting in the second.
The partnership offered a visible reminder of how far their relationship has come after years of public friction and pointed exchanges earlier in their careers. Kyrgios now speaks about Djokovic with a tone rooted in empathy rather than provocation.
Djokovic‘s influence continues to resonate beyond tennis as well. Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo recently honored him with a lifetime achievement award, praising his longevity and consistency as an example for athletes across generations.
“For me it is his example… I think he deserves the award because he is a great example for this generation, all generations,” Ronaldo said.
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has also weighed in on the physical demands facing Djokovic at this stage, noting that balancing training load, recovery, and match intensity becomes increasingly delicate with age.
Cash suggested that deep runs at majors may depend on favorable circumstances and the ability to avoid extended five set battles against younger rivals such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Kyrgios, who will compete in doubles but not singles at this year’s Australian Open, believes the broader conversation should shift away from an endpoint and toward appreciation.
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