The tennis world was yet again unimpressed with Nick Kyrgios after the flamboyant star claimed to have single-handedly sold out his practice match against Novak Djokovic ahead of the 2023 Australian Open.
The two players will face each other for the first time since the 2022 Wimbledon final on January 13 at the Rod Laver Arena. On Tuesday, journalist Luke Dennehy revealed that tickets for the match were sold out just 58 minutes after the booking was opened.
Kyrgios, who believes that a section of the media and fans always criticize him unfairly, reacted to Dennehy’s tweet by taking a sarcastic dig at his critics.
“Wow Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow what a disgrace, a national embarrassment! How dare he sell out another stadium, the arrogance,” Kyrgios tweeted.
Wow Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow what a disgrace, a national embarrassment! How dare he sell out another stadium, the arrogance https://t.co/Sn37U2nAjv
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 10, 2023
His words didn’t go down well with fans as it suggested that Kyrgios was the lone reason behind the sale of all the tickets. The majority of fans slammed the World No. 21 and stated that the spectators were coming to see Djokovic and not him.
“It only sold out because of a real champion and decent human in @DjokerNole is playing. It’s got nothing to do with a whining little sook like you. Can’t wait to see you lose the AO and throw another tantrum,” a fan tweeted.
It only sold out because of a real champion and decent human in @DjokerNole is playing. It’s got nothing to do with a whining little sook like you. Can’t wait to see you lose the AO and throw another tantrum. https://t.co/ESojTgqUt1
— DannyQ 3:16- Don’t Trust Them (@DannyQ03738735) January 10, 2023
“I guess your take is that playing one of the tennis GOATs has nothing to do with it. Nadal, Djoker or Fed playing against anyone will fill any stadium. Let’s try Nick Kyrgios against a player ranked 20-30,” a user wrote.
I guess your take is that playing one of the tennis GOATs has nothing to do with it. Nadal, Djoker or Fed playing against anyone will fill any stadium. Let’s try Nick Kyrgios against a player ranked 20-30.
— Will Villas (@WilliamVilas77) January 10, 2023
“He is the Kanye of tennis. So full of himself its disgusting…. at least kanye has the numbers and awards to brag about, he has nothing,” another tweet read.
He is the Kanye of tennis. So full of himself its disgusting…. at least kanye has the numbers and awards to brag about, he has nothing https://t.co/NzalK7oVJI
— Jankobitch (@surgapovaaa) January 10, 2023
Here are a few more reactions to Nick Kyrgios’ tweet:
He thinks people are buying tickets to see him and not Djokovic 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/xFuT8dAGFQ
— Swish (@Zwxsh) January 10, 2023
With a ticket price of 20 dollars, it could’ve been a sell out stadium even in India (where there’s no love for tennis ) if it features one of the Big3, so what’s Kyrgios’s contribution here exactly? https://t.co/7zqWu2sxP0
— Sri (@sri_opines) January 10, 2023
U didn’t sell it out alone
For real, this guy is absolute embarassment.. is there even a sense of humility in this guy?! https://t.co/MXeCXruI6a— sunshine. (@crazyheadimp) January 10, 2023
But selling out ticket does not mean your behaviour is exemplary! Does not mean you’re good for Tennis either.
Your character is what ppl are asking to see better https://t.co/wrySZWj94V— TheGreat (@MarleyTheGreat_) January 10, 2023
They’re watching Djokovic you doofus. And yes you’re bad role model regardless of how many stupid fans you have https://t.co/O4XCMD40Vk
— SRF (@S_RF_CA) January 10, 2023
Yeah a $20 sell out Stadium, the arrogance 🤣🤣 https://t.co/yFFRLqxWgq
— fedaltennis⁴² (@TennisFedal) January 10, 2023
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic’s friendly exchange ahead of Australian Open 2023
In a recent press conference during the Adelaide International 1, Novak Djokovic praised and thanked Nick Kyrgios for his constant support while the Serb was being deported from Australia last year due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19.
“He was one of the very few that stood by me last year, and I respect and appreciate that. In those moments, you can see who truly supports you and who goes with the flow of society and the pressures that media puts on you. He was giving me undivided support in the moments where I was being challenged a lot, and him as an Australian, I respected that a lot. Since then, our relationship has changed for better,” Djokovic said.
Kyrgios reacted to Djokovic’s words and wrote:
“Who stands with you when the sh*t gets real, says everything.”
