"I would've stood up for anyone but he reached out, he just wanted more understanding" - Nick Kyrgios on his support for Novak Djokovic
Nick Kyrgios has once again expressed his support for Novak Djokovic in the wake of the Serb's visa controversy. The Australian Open doubles champion said he had spoken with the World No. 1 on a number of occasions to extend his sympathy and help him better understand the sentiment of the public.
Djokovic’s visa was revoked at Melbourne Airport as Border Forces deemed he failed to meet Australia’s entry requirements for unvaccinated individuals. The verdict was overturned in federal court.
However, his visa was canceled for a second time after the Minister for Immigration felt his presence in the country could incite "anti-vaxx sentiments". The World No. 1 was subsequently deported and could not defend his title at the Australian Open.
Djokovic was vilified by a majority of tennis fans during the entire saga, although he found a surprise ally in Kyrgios. Speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O radio show, the Aussie disclosed that the Serb reached out to him in an attempt to understand the Australian community's stance.
“I've been speaking to Novak a fair bit, he reached out after I stood up for him," Kyrgios added. "I would've stood up for anyone but he reached out, he just wanted more understanding at the time. He knew it was coming but thought we were taking our anger out on him.”
This is not the first time Kyrgios has jumped to the 20-time Major winner's defense. Last month, the Aussie criticized the way the Serb was being treated during his stay in Melbourne. He also hit out at the local public for turning their backs on the nine-time Australian Open champion.
"We wouldn't expect a 20-time Grand Slam champion to be treated like this, no we wouldn't," Kyrgios had said on an episode of his podcast. "He's done a lot, when we had the bushfires, he was supporting us. When we needed help, he came and helped us. We're treating him like he's never done anything, he's a villain, which he's actually not."
Novak Djokovic scheduled to play in Dubai
Novak Djokovic will try to put the controversy in Melbourne behind him when he competes in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships later this month. The Serb is a five-time titlist in Dubai, but did not defend his crown last year.
Djokovic will be joined by the likes of Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner and Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP 500 event.