Doubles champion Nick Kyrgios has offered his support for Novak Djokovic, saying no one understood his point of view.
Djokovic has been embroiled in controversy throughout his tennis career. The most recent one came at the Australian Open, where his anti-vax status got him into trouble with the authorities.
The situation ended with the Serbian getting deported from the country after a tiresome legal battle. He was also hit with a ban from travelling to Australia, meaning he won’t be able to play at next year’s Australian Open barring a miracle.
Kyrgios offered his support for Djokovic, saying the Serbian was being treated unfairly by everyone.
“I’ve been speaking to Novak a fair bit, he reached out after I stood up for him,” the Australian said, as quoted by Tennis World USA.
“I would’ve stood up for anyone but he reached out, he just wanted more understanding at the time. He knew it was coming but thought we were taking our anger out on him.
“We wouldn’t expect a 20-time Grand Slam champion to be treated like this, no we wouldn’t.
“He’s done a lot, when we had the bushfires, he was supporting us. When we needed help, he came and helped us. We’re treating him like he’s never done anything, he’s a villain, which he’s actually not.”
Unexpected support
Kyrgios insisted that it was important to get vaccinated, but he insisted that that he respected the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s opinion as well. Djokovic was left surprised by Kyrgios’ support, and said that he didn’t expect it at all.
“That was unexpected, knowing what was coming from him towards me in the last couple of years,” the Djoker said at the time.
“But this time I must agree with him that the freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it’s me or somebody else.”