Nick Kyrgios has chosen to see the positive side of Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open saga, with the Serbian being kept in a Melbourne detention centre after his visa was cancelled. Djokovic’s ordeal has divided opinion as he aims to defend his title, and pull clear of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal by claiming his 21st Grand Slam.
The 34-year-old caused a stir when it was revealed that he would be allowed entry into Australia through a medical vaccine exemption.
Djokovic has been coy about his vaccination status in the past, and vocally opposes mandated jabs.
The Australian public were therefore perplexed when it appeared as though he would be allowed into the country to compete, but border officials cancelled his visa upon arrival and demanded more details about his exemption.
A hearing is set for Monday, where he could face deportation if the cancellation of his visa is upheld.
Kyrgios still has one eye on the positives though, with a wider audience already drawn towards the tournament before it has even begun.
“Imagine I somehow start turning s*** up for the Australian Open,” he mused on the No Boundaries podcast.
“Fourth round, Rod Laver [Arena], Kyrgios vs Novak, it would be the highest-rating tennis match in history.
“Every match is going to be one of the most-watched matches. It’s good for the sport.
“We need fans, we need news and I’m all for it, even though it’s probably not the right way.
“This will probably be the most watched Australian Open if he plays.”
On Monday, Djokovic’s lawyers are expected to argue that a positive Covid test in December is sufficient grounds for his exemption, although pictures posted to social media appear to show him maskless at a public event the day afterwards.
Kyrgios has urged fair treatment for the Serb, and he acknowledged that he could be a scary prospect if he is allowed to compete this year.
“He is going to be f****** angry if he’s allowed to play,” he added.
“If he is able to play and get out this, I don’t want to play him.
“The villain energy is different, I don’t want to play him. I fear the man who draws him in the first round.”
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