‘He’s Helped Us As Well’: Nick Kyrgios Reminds of Novak Djokovic’s Contributions Amid Australian Open Saga

After the fiasco involving Novak Djokovic, his detention, and possible deportation in Melbourne, all of Australia has taken notice. The who’s who of the tennis community have given their two cents on the situation as well.

Many believe that Novak Djokovic should not expect special attention from the government or Tennis Australia. On the other hand, others consider the current measures the border patrol took, too extreme.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios has now come out in support of Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic was ‘helping us out’, Kyrgios reminds Australia

When asked if he had reached out to Djokovic after the mess in Melbourne, Nick Kyrgios admitted that the two weren’t quite on talking terms. However, he did state that the two used to be friends, and practice buddies as well.

He blamed the media, which he believed had deepened the divide between the Serbian champion and himself. He thinks the press ‘have blown it out of proportion’, and made it ‘thirty times worse’.

Similarly, Nick Kyrgios believed that the media was quick to forget just how helpful Novak Djokovic is. In fact, Novak had been extremely helpful and supportive to Australia during the bushfires between 2019 and 2020. Kyrgios said, “Most athletes wouldn’t do that. They’re selfish, most athletes.”

Kyrgios, in his own words, chose not to forget Novak Djokovic’s help. Furthermore, he even acknowledged how he could gain publicity by hopping on the bandwagon and calling Novak wrong for his actions. “But I don’t think that is right,” the 26-year-old star said.

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In that vein, Kyrgios chose differently. “I’m using my platform now to say we’ve got to do better, we have to do better,” he claimed.

Kyrgios remembers Djokovic’s helpfulness

“Me and Novak actually used to be like friends,” Nick Kyrgios smiled and said. He then shared a story of when Novak Djokovic went out of his way to make Kyrgios feel helped and comfortable.

Kyrgios described how Novak was “one of the only players” who came to him when he was young, offering help. “(Djokovic) said, if you ever need anything, feel free to reach out and I’ll be open to help,” Nick remembered.

Thus, Nick feels like it is a disservice to the Serbian for the media to so quickly forget his help to the country. “He’s reached out,” Kyrgios reminds. “He didn’t have to do that.”

Do you think Nick Kyrgios is right, or does Novak Djokovic’s humanitarian aid does not obligate him to special medical exemptions Down Under?

WATCH THIS STORY: From US Open Disqualification to No Entry at Australian Open: Novak Djokovic’s Biggest Controversies