© REUTERS
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios played a training match in a sold-out Rod Laver Arena in the run-up to the Australian Open. They both won a set. Djokovic said he was emotional when he returned to the center court of his favorite grand slam tournament.
Vincent Van GenechtenBron: The Telegraph
“Thank you very much. I’m a little emotional right now, I must confess. I have been very much looking forward to returning to this job. I have the best memories of my career here,” said the Serb after entering the stadium. A total of 15,000 people came to see the duel between the nine-time winner of the Australian Open and Australia’s best tennis player. Proceeds from ticket sales go to charity.
In the run-up to the tennis season, the question was how the unvaccinated Djokovic would be welcomed in Australia. His expulsion last year, when there was a vaccination obligation, led to division in the country. Last week, however, the Serb already received a warm welcome in Adelaide and that was now also the case in Melbourne.
7Djokovic and Kyrgios had a difficult relationship for years, but now they get along a lot better. The two toasted each other on the track and there was also time for friendly chats. Kyrgios won the first, shortened set 4-3, Djokovic the second 4-2.
On Wednesday, Djokovic ended a training match against the Russian Daniil Medvedev prematurely. He did this as a precaution after complaints to his left leg, left over from the Adelaide tournament. The Australian Open starts on Monday. Djokovic starts the hunt for his tenth Australian Open title with a match against Spaniard Roberto Carballés Baena.