Nick Kyrgios is working on the clock after declaring that his tennis career will be shelved as soon as he lifts a Grand Slam title.
Australia’s flamboyant – and often outrageous Top gun ranked 21st, flirted with the good life last summer when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
The Aussie got a taste of sweet revenge on Friday night at the Rod Laver arena as he toppled the 21-time Grand Slam winner in a charity hit-out in the hybrid Fast Four match 4-3 (5-3), 4-3, 10-9.
Kyrgios said his chance of quitting if the lifts a major are “100 per cent.”
“It’s a lot of training, a lot of work,” he said. “I just want to eat what I want to eat, drink what I want.
“It’s a hard life (on the Tour).
Kyrgios and Djokovic are currently on speaking terms and more after a month’s long war of words conducted on social media. But Kyrgios still got in his share of sledges, innuendo and cat-calling during the time on court.
Kyrgios began his first competitive match in nearly three months – his last was the second round in Tokyo on October 6 – with an ace. He then dropped in his usual array of tweeners and underhanded serves along the way.
Djokovic was playing on the main showcourt for the first time since winning his ninth title here in 2021 prior to being deported a year ago for trying to enter the country without the mandatory COVID jabs.
“I feel a bit emotional right now to be honest. I’m sure we’re going to have lots of fun,” the former No. 1 said pre-match.
The one-off match held three days before the start of the Open, sold out online in 58 minutes.
Main photo:- “Besties” Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic after 2022 Wimbledon final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
