By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, July 10, 2022
Once bitter rivals, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios staged beautiful reunion on Centre Court.
In a blockbuster that lived up to its buzz, defending champion Djokovic defused dangerous Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) to capture his seventh Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam championship.
More: Djokovic Conquers Kyrgios for Seventh Wimbledon Championship
Afterward, the former acrimonious rivals came together at net in a show of mutual shared respect.
The 27-year-old Kyrgios who had previously ripped Djokovic as fake prone to “a cringeworthy” post-match celebration, praised the seven-time Wimbledon winner afterward.
“He’s a bit of a god,” Kyrgios told Centre Court fans of Djokovic. “I’m not gonna lie, I thought I played well. First of all I want to congratulate Novak and his team.”
Though Djokovic had been on the receiving end of Kyrgios verbal volleys in the past, the former world No. 1 showed pure class during the trophy presentation paying tribute to Kyrgios as “a phenomenal tennis player” and joked of their once stormy relationship “okay, it’s officially a bromance.”
“Absolutely, Nick, you’ll be back not just Wimbledon, but in the finals,” Djokovic told Kyrgios. “I know it’s tough to find consolation words after a tough loss like this, but you showed why you deserved to be one of the best players in the world, particularly on this surface.
“I wish you all the best. I really respect you a lot [as] a phenomenal tennis player, athlete and amazing talent. Now everything is starting to come together, I’m sure we’re gonna see you in the later stages of a Slam.
“I never though I’m gonna say so many nice things about you considering the relationship. Okay it’s officially a bromance. Hopefully this is the start of a wonderful relationship between the two of us off the court as well.”
Healing in a once fractured relationship began at the Australian Open in January when Kyrgios publicly showed support of Djokovic, who was deported from Australia after his visa was cancelled for a second time.
After his Australian Open opening-round sweep of British qualifier Liam Broady, Kyrgios continued his budding “bromance” Djokovic saying he will ask the Serbian superstar to join forces in doubles someday.
Those comments came after Kyrgios expressed his support for Djokovic during his…
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