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Nick Kyrgios warned Australia, 12 months ago.
Speaking ahead of last year’s Australian Open, when Novak Djokovic was in the midst of his legal battle to remain in the country over his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid, Kyrgios knew what was coming.
“For the sport, we need him here … I just want it to end,” Kyrgios first said. “I’m feeling for him now, it’s not really humane what’s going on.”
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But he added: “If he’s allowed to play the Australian Open, I don’t want any bar of him. I reckon he’s going to be p***ed off.
“He’s going to be very determined to play well and stick it to everyone of what’s going on. And I don’t want any bar of that Novak.”
What’s that cliche you sometimes hear about predictions? Never wrong, just early?
A year later and it is clear the deportation saga, along with everything else he feels is a slight against him, was weighing on Djokovic’s mind during his run to a 10th Australian Open title.
The Serbian burst into uncontrollable tears following his victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, overcome with emotion, and partially explained why during the trophy ceremony.
“Only the team and my family knows what we’ve been through in the last four or five weeks, and this probably is the, I would say, biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances,” he said.
Maybe the scorecard for the final really needs to read Novak Djokovic defeated Scott Morrison and Alex Hawke.
Kyrgios took to Twitter as the final came to an end, declaring he was right about the deportation saga driving Djokovic.
“Haha I told you. We created a monster. Well done @DjokerNole…. Sat on my couch and enjoyed the entire show (moneybag emoji) (prayer emoji) soak it all in….” he tweeted.
Kyrgios added: “He will get to 28 slams (laugh emoji) easy (hand covering mouth emojis)”.
Perhaps his prediction will be right.
But based on how good Djokovic looked over the last fortnight, Kyrgios shapes as one of the few men with the on-court talent to ensure it won’t be.
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