Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic have not always been the best of friends, but they appear to have set aside their differences now.
Kyrgios was beaten by Djokovic at Wimbledon in what was his only Grand Slam singles final, but their relationship only appears to have grown since then.
This includes a recent doubles partnership, with Kyrgios playing alongside Djokovic in Brisbane earlier this year.
Now Kyrgios, who was forced to miss the US Open, has spoken about something he likes about Djokovic that he thinks is missing from tennis.
Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesNick Kyrgios explains why he likes to trash talk as he makes Novak Djokovic point
Kyrgios is known for speaking his mind, whether that be on court or more frequently these days on social media.
This is something he was asked about when speaking to world number 24 Alexander Bublik for his new podcast ‘Tea with Bublik’.
The Australian responded by suggesting that players are too friendly, and claimed that the sport needs more rivalries.
Kyrgios then mentioned Djokovic, praising the Serbian after suggesting that he is not bothered about being liked by everyone.
“I think it’s great for the sport, I actually think that’s what the sport is missing to be honest,” said Kyrgios. “Everyone loves each other too much and I just don’t think that’s realistic. You know, that’s why I love Novak, because he’s got a lot of following and a lot of people that don’t like him and I think that’s healthy, I don’t think it’s possible to be liked by everyone.
“I actually think the sport right now needs more of that. I think trash talk is completely healthy, you know it’s competitive. Some of these guys aren’t even my friend, like I don’t really care.
“Like you [Bublik] for instance when you’re playing I watch it and I genuinely want you to do well, like because I like you as a tennis player and I think you’re comfortable in your own skin. But, half these guys I don’t care, like it’s all a journey and I just do it for a bit of a show and ultimately do you think I put more eyes on the sport?”
Bublik is also known for not being shy from saying what he thinks, but the Kazakhstani questioned Kyrgios on why he feels this way.
Bublik: I guess that’s not what I asked you to be honest. I think so, yes of course. But I guess of course if you’re the only one that spits in the umpire’s face, you know, good or bad it’s for them to decide.
Kyrgios: But they gave me the power though. Like you shouldn’t blame me, you should blame the tennis world because they gave me this position. I’m just having fun. Like I’m in my bed half the time just…
Bublik: So you just don’t care?
Kyrgios: Yeah…the tennis world just goes crazy about it.
Bublik: What about the personal relationship with the people you insulted or?
Kyrgios: I don’t have a personal relationship, I think it’s healthy. You think you have to have a good relationship with everyone?
Why did Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic once not like each other?
Although Kyrgios appears to have admiration towards Djokovic, their relationship has not always been friendly.
Their relationship became particularly strained in 2019, when Kyrgios appeared on the No Challenges Remaining podcast.
In this podcast appearance, Kyrgios said he could not stand Djokovic and claimed he could never become the greatest player of all time.
“I just feel like he (Djokovic) has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked,” Kyrgios said at the time. “He just wants to be like Roger (Federer). For me personally — I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far — I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him.
“This whole celebration thing (blowing kisses to the crowd) that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy.
“(But) we’re talking about a guy who pulled out of the Australian Open one year because it was too hot. No matter how many Grand Slams he wins, he will never be the greatest for me.
“Simply because, I’ve played him twice and like, I’m sorry, but if you can’t beat me, you’re not the greatest of all time.”
However, he has changed his mind since then, with Kyrgios recently calling Djokovic the greatest of all time.
Kyrgios supporting Djokovic after his ban from the Australian Open in 2022 appears to have been a big turning point in their relationship.