bromance? The answer to that is definitely different for Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios. Otherwise, the Wimbledon final in 2022 will be a duel of opposites.
“bromance“By definition, this is a modern term for a close and emotional male friendship. And tennis pro Nick Kyrgios identified and announced just such a thing before the men’s final in Wimbledon. “It’s kind of a bromance between us,” explained Kyrgios with a view to his opponent Novak Djokovic.
They would always message each other directly on Instagram, Kyrgios reported. Djokovic commented on Kyrgios’ statement a little more soberly. “I’m not sure if we can call it a male friendship, but our relationship has improved a lot.”said the Serb.
Once mockery – but now everything is different
The Australian once mocked Djokovic for this “Obsession with being liked”. These cheering gestures on the pitch, the throwing at the audience: “He wants to be like Roger (Federer, ed.). That’s just shameful.”
But since January everything has changed. Ever since Djokovic tried to enter Kyrgios’ home country of Australia without a vaccination, he failed and was caught in the crossfire of criticism. At that time, Kyrgios jumped to his side publicly after initially clearly criticizing him for his behavior during the corona pandemic.
“When it was really difficult for me in Australia, he was one of the few players who spoke out and supported me and stood by me.”said Djokovic. “That’s something I really appreciate. I respect him a lot for that.”
Respect or bromance – in the final on Sunday (from 3 p.m. in the live ticker at sportschau.de) other emotions will play a role. Because there is a lot at stake for both of them. Kyrgios himself had no longer expected to ever reach the final of one Grand Slams to reach.
Djokovic said after his semi-final win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie: “I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll get.” Since Djokovic is still not vaccinated, he cannot currently go to the USA US Open to travel. It is unclear whether the Serb will be allowed to enter Australia again next year. So the 20-time Grand Slam tournament winner must seize every opportunity to attack the injured Rafael Nadal’s men’s record of 22.
“Emotional Fireworks”
The 15,000 spectators can look forward to “an emotional firework” happy, said Djokovic, who lost both previous duels in 2017 – and is still the big favorite. On the “Holy Lawn” Djokovic has been the undisputed ruler for years. The fourth title in a row beckons him on Sunday, the seventh overall, with which he would catch up with his youth idol Pete Sampras and only be one triumph behind record champion Federer.
Undivided love like Federer or Nadal is not opposed to both, Djokovic and Kyrgios are similar. Both polarize, have large crowds of fans and bitter opponents. And yet opposites will collide. The cool Djokovic is in a Grand Slam final for the 32nd time: record. The unpredictable Kyrgios is playing for a major title for the first time, but all players know “that he is dangerous, especially on grass”said Djokovic: “He’s very confident on this pitch and seems to be in much better mental shape than he was a few years ago.”
Kyrgios can also be subdued
With exceptions: A week ago, Kyrgios had insulted the referee and driven his opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas to incandescence. But he can also be respectful. When thinking about the performances of the “Big 3” Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, “King” Kyrgios became very meek. “We will never again see a fighter like Rafa, never again someone who swings his racquet as effortlessly as Roger. And probably never again someone who just always wins and controls the game as well as Djokovic,” he said. For the chance of winning Wimbledon, he has to lose respect and let the male friendship rest.