Scott Clark
Aug 21, 2023 - 01:15

'Nick Kyrgios challenges Novak Djokovic to a game he can win; Serb responds'

Nick Kyrgios jokingly challenges Novak Djokovic to a basketball game, and Djokovic agrees but adds he wouldn't beat him in a three-point contest.

In a light-hearted exchange on social media, Nick Kyrgios playfully challenged Novak Djokovic to a basketball match, claiming he would surely win. Djokovic agreed, but added that Kyrgios wouldn't beat him in a three-point contest. The Serbian tennis player shared a video on Instagram of his basketball session with Andrey Rublev and tagged Russian basketball legend Andrei Kirilenko, asking for his opinion on their skills.

Kyrgios couldn't resist commenting on the post, writing, "This is one thing I'd beat you in hahahahahahaha." Djokovic responded, acknowledging that Kyrgios might have the upper hand but not when it comes to shooting from long range.

Last year, Kyrgios reached his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon. He started strong in the 2022 Wimbledon final against Djokovic, winning the first set with a score of 6-4. Despite maintaining a high level of play throughout the match, Kyrgios ultimately lost in four sets, with Djokovic winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3).

In the second season of the Netflix documentary series "Break Point," Kyrgios praised Djokovic's mental strength, noting that he remained composed in crucial moments where other players might have faltered. Kyrgios acknowledged that he played exceptionally well in the first set but recognized Djokovic's ability to stay focused and unfazed.

It is no secret that Kyrgios and Djokovic had a strained relationship in the past. However, when Kyrgios publicly defended Djokovic during the visa controversy in Australia, their dynamic changed for the better. Since then, they have developed a friendship and frequently speak highly of each other.

Overall, this playful interaction between Kyrgios and Djokovic highlights their camaraderie and the mutual respect they have developed over time. Despite their competitive nature on the tennis court, they have found common ground and admiration for each other off the court.