Nick Kyrgios slams Australia and is ’embarrassed’ over Novak Djokovic debacle

Nick Kyrgios SLAMS Australia saying he’s ’embarrassed’ for his own country over Novak Djokovic debacle – as he recovers from Covid days ahead of the Open

  • Australian tennis bad boy has again lent his support to Novak Djokovic
  • The Serbian tennis star has finally got back to training after being detained
  • Kyrgios said he’s ’embarrassed’ by Australia’s treatment of the tennis ace
  • The Aussie star is himself fighting off Covid but so far has mild symptoms   


Nick Kyrgios says he’s ’embarrassed’ by the way Australia has treated Novak Djokovic, slamming the government over the tennis star’s visa debacle.

The 26-year-old Aussie is currently isolating after testing positive to Covid just one week out from the Australian Open.

While his place in the tournament remains in serious doubt, the Serbian world No. 1 is free to take part after the Federal Circuit Court ruled he be released from immigration detention following a legal battle with the Australian government over his visa.

Fans are seen outside the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre on Tuesday as Novak Djokovic is cleared to play next week

‘I feel quite embarrassed as an Australian athlete that has seen what this guy has done,’ Kyrgios said of the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

‘For us and the sport I just don’t think it is right how we are handling it.’

The vaccine sceptic, who contracted Covid for the second time in December, was denied a visa to enter Australia on January 6 by a Border Force official when he landed in Melbourne.

Djokovic had been granted a medical exemption by Tennis Australia. He believed he had met criteria set by Australia’s advisory board on immunisation and been given a federal government declaration he could travel.

Mr Joyce had supported the decision to give Djokovic the boot. However, Djokovic took his case to the Federal Circuit Court where Judge Anthony Kelly quashed the cancellation of his visa on Monday.

Judge Kelly found that tearing up Djokovic’s visa had been unreasonable and he had not been given enough time by Australian Border Force officials to respond.

The Serbian tennis pro has expressed his thanks to the judge as well as fans for standing by him (pictured, Djokovic practicing at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday)

The Serbian tennis pro has expressed his thanks to the judge as well as fans for standing by him (pictured, Djokovic practicing at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday) 

Djokovic (pictured with his wife Jelena) was released from immigration detention on Monday after days or legal wrangling

Djokovic (pictured with his wife Jelena) was released from immigration detention on Monday after days or legal wrangling

Although Immigration Minister Alex Hawke still has the power to deport the nine-time Australian Open winner using his discretionary powers, such an unprecedented diplomatic move is thought to be unlikely as it would further embarrass the Morrison government.

Kyrgios, who is now ranked 114, will battle to make the first round of the Aussie Grand Slam after pulling out of the Sydney Tennis Classic.

‘I actually don’t feel too bad at the moment. I’m taking all necessary precautions,’ he said.

‘It’s obviously not ideal a week out from the Aus Open but I’m going to do everything in my power to feel okay and get out there and hopefully put on a show.’

Kyrgios, who is now ranked 114, (pictured in November) will battle to make the first round of the Aussie Grand Slam after pulling out of the Sydney Tennis Classic

Kyrgios, who is now ranked 114, (pictured in November) will battle to make the first round of the Aussie Grand Slam after pulling out of the Sydney Tennis Classic

The tennis bad boy added that he doesn’t want his positive test to detract from the rest of the tournament.

‘I just don’t want this to take away from the Australian summer of tennis. We have had a lot of great results and a lot of other Aussies are doing really well,’ he said.

‘We know that the media like to create s**t storms with my story and everything going on with Novak.’

Round one of the Australian Open starts on January 17. 

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