Nick Kyrgios messes up in Novak Djokovic interview after asking rival about 'secret tree' ritual

Nick Kyrgios messes up in Novak Djokovic interview after asking rival about 'secret tree' ritual

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 23/01/2024

- 11:32

Updated: 23/01/2024

- 11:51

Nick Kyrgios held the on-court interview with Novak Djokovic after the Serbian's win over Taylor Fritz.

Nick Kyrgios interviewed Novak Djokovic on court after the world No 1 defeated Taylor Fritz and everything was going to plan - until the very end.

The Australian tennis ace is not playing at this year's Australian Open as he continues to recover from ongoing fitness issues.


Instead, Kyrgios has joined Eurosport's commentary team for the tournament and has received plaudits for his work.

The 28-year-old was on duty for Djokovic's quarter-final against Fritz on Tuesday and even shared a funny moment with the Serbian during the match.

Nick Kyrgios nearly went error-free in his interview with Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios nearly went error-free in his interview with Novak Djokovic

EUROSPORT

After winning a point in the first set tiebreak, Djokovic cupped his hand over his ear with the Rod Laver Arena reacting by raising the roof.

Djokovic then turned to Kyrgios, who was stationed in the commentary booth behind the No 1 seed, and blew a kiss to leave the Aussie star in hysterics.

Kyrgios and Djokovic have developed a close bond ever since the 24-time Grand Slam champion was deported from Australia two years ago.

That bromance was on full display after Djokovic beat Fritz as Kyrgios stepped out to conduct the on-court interview with the semi-finalist.

They shared a laugh in between each question with Djokovic drawing huge cheers when he asked the crowd to make some noise for Kyrgios.

Kyrgios' last question was then for Djokovic to show him the specific tree in the Royal Botanical Garden that the Serbian "hugs" as part of his Australian Open superstition.

Djokovic drew laughs as he replied: "I’ll show you the tree but you can't tell anyone. It’s a big secret. So what you’ve got to do is take off your shoes, climb the tree at highest point and hang upside down on one of the highest branches for 33 mins and three seconds."

The two embraced after Djokovic's answer with the crowd cheering them both before Kyrgios ended it by calling on the crowd to "give it up" one more time for his tour rival.

Nick Kyrgios realised his error

Nick Kyrgios realised his error

EUROSPORT

But Kyrgios then mistakenly said Djokovic was "through to the quarter-finals" with the Aussie quickly realising his mistake on court.

The Aussie ace stopped and stared straight ahead before correcting himself to add "semi-finals".

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Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic share a close bond on and off the court

Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic share a close bond on and off the court

EUROSPORT

Djokovic now faces either Jannik Sinner or Andrey Rublev in the next round for a place in Sunday's final.

But both Sinner and Rublev are set to play deep into the night in Melbourne with Aryna Sabalenka's match against Barbora Krejcikova only just finishing around 10.30pm local time.

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