Kyrgios sends plea to Djokovic after Aussie Open | Sports News

Nick Kyrgios expressed his want to see Novak Djokovic proceed taking part in “for as long as possible” after the tennis legend suffered a main setback in his pursuit of a record-breaking twenty fifth Grand Slam.

On Monday, Djokovic introduced that he’d be pulling out of the Adelaide International, which stood as his lone alternative to tune up forward of the Australian Open. Taking to social media, the 38-year-old conceded that he’s not “physically ready” to take part within the event — however reaffirmed his want to compete within the opening Grand Slam.

“To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week,” Djokovic wrote. “It’s personally very disappointing to me, as I have such great memories of winning the title there two years ago. I was really excited about returning as it truly felt like playing at home.

“My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look ahead to arriving in Melbourne quickly and seeing all of the tennis followers in Australia.”

Djokovic’s notable absence in Adelaide further clouds his murky future in the sport, as the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist hasn’t played an official match in nearly two months. Following a win over Lorenzo Musetti in the Hellenic Championship final on Nov. 8, he withdrew from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year due to a shoulder injury.

Though Djokovic appears to be winding down in the twilight of his career, Kyrgios encouraged him to continue chasing whatever accolades he still seeks. “There’s clearly one thing there that he needs to obtain, whether or not it is one other Grand Slam or one thing else,” the 30-year-old told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“But I feel we must always simply cherish the truth that somebody that previous in our sport remains to be on the high of it and nonetheless offers every part to it. The longer now we have guys like this round, the higher it’s for our sport. I really feel like there’s been a void within the sport ever since [Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal left … and clearly when Novak goes, that period is totally gone. I would like him to keep for as long as doable.”

While Djokovic has achieved no shortage of success over the last 20-plus years, the Serbian could further etch his name in the history books at Melbourne Park — where he will be looking to win his record-extending 11th Australian Open title and record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

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Given all that Djokovic has accomplished, some members of his inner circle have questioned why he continues to put his health in danger by competing. “My dad is making an attempt to retire me for a whereas now,” Djokovic informed GQ Magazine final January.

“He is like, ‘What else do you want to do?’ He understands the amount and the intensity of the pressure and tension that is out there, and the stress that has an effect on my health, my body, and then, consequently, on everyone else who is around me, including him. So that is why he was like, ‘My son, start to think about how you want to end this.’”

For now, Djokovic isn’t prepared to stroll away from tennis simply but. “I do think about more how than when,” he added. “When I am not thinking about it as of yet so intensely. How, how I would like to end it? I feel if I start to lose more and feel like there is a bigger gap, that I start to have more challenges in overcoming those big obstacles in big slams, then I will probably call it a day. But right now I am still OK, keep continuing.”