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“I lost my job in front of 15,000 people!”: Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic jokes that the Serb fired him during his charity match with Nick Kyrgios…after seeking advice from a crowd member about former Wimbledon champion
Novak Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, joked that the Serb fired him during his charity match with Nick Kyrgios on Friday.
The exhibition clash between Djokovic and Kyrgios, who met in the Wimbledon final last year, sold out in 58 minutes and was played in high spirits in front of 15,000 spectators.
A particularly joyous moment came midway through the match when Djokovic was looking for some advice and decided to ask a fan what he thought instead of turning to Ivanisevic.
Novak Djokovic asked a fan for advice instead of listening to coach Goran Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic (centre) joked after Djokovic had fired him after being snubbed.
After a brief discussion, Djokovic won the following rally and seemed impressed by the advice he had been given.
Ivanisevic was asked what he thought about the incident shortly after, and he joked that it was no longer necessary, saying, “Yeah, I lost my job in front of 15,000 people!”
The 2001 Wimbledon champion then went a step further, joking that he was ready to leave the country after being turned down by Djokovic.
“I have a 10:45 flight, Emirates, so I’m fine, just watch and go,” he added with a smile on his face.
Djokovic and Kyrgios shared the first two sets, before they were joined by several stars, including wheelchair players David Wagner and Heath Davidson, for the deciding tiebreaker.
Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios were all smiles after their exhibition clash in front of 15,000 fans
It was Kyrgios who emerged victorious, and he later shared a warm hug with Djokovic online, with the pair’s friendship still going strong after previously clashing over each other’s views on Covid-19.
Djokovic is back in Australia for the first time since he was deported from the country 12 months ago due to his vaccination status on the eve of the first Grand Slam of the year.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed great success at Melbourne Park, winning nine of his 21 majors at the venue, and he thanked the fans for the warm welcome he received on his return.
Djokovic was delighted to be back in Australia after being deported from the country last year.
“It feels great to be back in Australia, back in Melbourne. This is the court and the stadium where I created the best memories of my professional tennis career,” Djokovic said after his match with Kyrgios.
“In 2008, the first time I won a Grand Slam was here, 15 years later I am here again and I am competing at a high level, so I must be very grateful for this opportunity to be here, so thank you for welcoming me, I I appreciate.’
Djokovic will begin his quest for a tenth title when he faces Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.