Australian Open: After the first win in Melbourne - Nick Kyrgios counters criticism from Novak Djokovic
At the press conference after his first round win at the Australian Open,Nick Kyrgios reacted with incomprehension to the statements of world number one Novak Djokovic .
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 08, 2021, 04:53 pm
It could have been such a quiet day in Nick Kyrgios' eventful life: The Australian started with a sovereign 6: 4, 6: 4 and 6: 4 opening success over Frederico Silva from Portugal in this year's Australian Open and then raved about the " special "atmosphere in the John Cain Arena:" It felt normal. You guys went with me. It was nice to see that. "
At the subsequent press conference, however, the 25-year-old was no longer in such a good mood. When asked about the criticism from Novak Djokovic, who criticized Kyrgios for his behavior off the pitch , the Australian said: "That's strange for me. I've read his statements that he doesn't respect me off the pitch. And I think that from my point of view it would make complete sense for him to say, 'I don't respect Kyrgios on the pitch.' I could understand that he didn't like the actions I took on the court in the past. "
#VIDEO#
But he could not understand the criticism of his behavior outside the field: "During the pandemic, I delivered food to people in need. I was very careful about my behavior. I did not want to spread the virus." Even now he is still on duty to provide food to the hungry, according to Kyrgios, who then countered.
Sporty duel only possible in the semifinals
"Novak is a very strange cat. He's a great tennis player, but unfortunately someone who goes shirtless during a global pandemic. I don't know if I get that from this man For me it's as bad as it can be, "said Kyrgios.
Djokovic didn't want to go into the Australian's comments in his press conference after his opening success about Jeremy Chardy . In terms of sport, the two could only meet in the semi-finals - it would definitely be a very explosive duel.
Here is the men's single tableau
laver arena