Wimbledon 2024: Nick Kyrgios Puts BBC & ESPN Duties on Backseat To Lend a Helping Hand to Brother Novak Djokovic

Imagine your fiercest rival stepping up to help you during the most challenging times. Hard to picture, right? Yet, for Novak Djokovic, this unimaginable scenario is a reality. The Serbian tennis legend, known for his intense rivalry with Nick Kyrgios, has witnessed their once-heated enmity evolve into an unexpected, flourishing friendship. Now, their bromance has reached new heights in London, captivating fans and redefining what it means to be rivals in the world of tennis.

Novak Djokovic played his first match in this year’s Wimbledon on Tuesday. He defeated Czech’s Vit Kopriva in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. While his comeback in itself was a surprise for many, the skills he has demonstrated have further taken aback the critics. Meanwhile, Nole has received incredible support from Nick Kyrgios ahead of his next match, who once was a fierce rival to the Serb.

Speaking on ESPN on July 2, Kyrgios admitted that he is preparing to help Novak Djokovic ahead of his next match. Kyrgios said that he would be warming up with the World No. 2 if the latter manages to qualify for the second round on the grass courts. This would also mean that Kyrgios is preparing to keep his duties with ESPN and BBC on the backseat to lend a helping hand to Nole. 

Earlier, ESPN had confirmed that Kyrgios, will return to the ESPN booth for both weeks between July 1-14. The Australian tennis star has also signed a contract with BBC and is seen broadcasting for them as well. Meanwhile, the help that Kyrgios is extending to Djokovic is expected to be very crucial for the legend. 

Novak Djokovic was out of the tennis courts since early June after he injured his knee and went for surgery. While many had anticipated that the tennis legend would not be able to make it to the Grand Slam, he defied the odds to play his first match. Now with Kyrgios, who defeated Nole in 2 of their 3 encounters extending support to the Serb, it can turn out to be extremely crucial for him. Besides, the Australian’s performance at Wimbledon and his feat of playing at the finals in the venue can further impact Nole’s performance. This, however, is not the first time when Kyrgios extended a helping hand to the 24-time grand slam winner.

Kyrgios offered strong support for Djokovic when he was initially allowed to enter Melbourne for the 2022 Australian Open, only to have his visa rejected as he was deported a few days later. This was in fact acknowledged by Djokovic himself. “You were one of the very few colleagues on the tour to use his platform, use his voice, to support me (during the deportation) and that is something I will never forget,” Djokovic had said. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic expressed his happiness about a significant factor at Wimbledon.

“I won’t finish the matches at three,” Novak Djokovic takes a dig at the French Open Organisers

Novak Djokovic wrapped up a five-set victory against Lorenzo Musetti at 3:07 am in the third round at the French Open. While the match was nothing short of spectacular, it drew a lot of flak to the organizers for failing to plan a match that could end quickly. However, Novak Djokovic has expressed his happiness about not having to face a similar situation at Wimbledon. 

Speaking to the Serbian news outlet Sportsklub, Nole took a clear dig at the Roland Garros arrangements. “At least here, I know that I won’t finish the matches at three in the morning, since there is a curfew. So I will not experience a situation identical to that of Roland Garros.” For the unversed, Wimbledon follows a curfew time of 11 PM after which the players are instructed to walk off the court. This rule has been in place since 2009 and aims to facilitate smooth travel for visitors back to their homes. 

Meanwhile, it will be fascinating to see if Nole can continue to defy the odds and clinch his 25th Grand Slam with the help of his friend Nick Kyrgios.