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Nick Kyrgios takes aim at his critics after selling out his exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in just 58 MINUTES… as the Australian star hits back at American rival who questioned the event’s scheduling.
Nick Kyrgios lashed out at his critics on Tuesday after his exhibition match against Novak Djokovic sold out in just 58 minutes.
More than 14,000 fans will pack Rod Laver Arena on Friday for a rematch of the 2022 Wimbledon final, with the Australian shaker making his long-awaited return from injury.
And Kyrgios saw the enthusiastic response from fans as the perfect opportunity to turn the tables on his detractors.
Nick Kyrgios hit back at his critics on Twitter after tickets for his exhibition match with Novak Djokovic sold out in just 58 minutes on Tuesday.
‘Wow, Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow, what a shame, a national shame! How dare you sell another stadium, arrogance,’ he wrote on Twitter.
In a separate tweet, Kyrgios also responded to former US tennis player Noah Rubin, who questioned the wisdom of scheduling an exhibition match just days before the start of the Australian Open.
“To be fair, it will bring more crowds than any of your matches,” replied the Australian.
All ticket sales will go to the Australian Tennis Foundation, Tennis Australia and the official charity of the Australian Open.
Kyrgios turned around his detractors who previously criticized his behavior on the pitch.
The exhibition will be Kyrgios’ first match since he injured his ankle while playing in Dubai last month, which subsequently ruled him out of the inaugural United Cup in controversial circumstances.
It will also coincide with the release of the first episode of Break Point, Netflix’s new 10-part tennis documentary ‘Generation Next’, which focuses on the Australian star.
In Episode One: The MaverickThe 27-year-old opens up about his future in tennis, admitting his life was “out of control” at a time when he opened up about his mental health issues.
The Australian firebrand fired back at former American player Noah Rubin, who questioned the wisdom of an exhibition with Kyrgios and Djokovic just before the start of the Australian Open.
The match will also mark Djokovic’s first return to Melbourne since his controversial exclusion from the Australian Open 12 months ago.
Djokovic was at the center of a diplomatic firestorm in January last year, when he was deported for failing to comply with vaccination restrictions in place at the time.
The Serb, who was not vaccinated against covid-19, had his visa canceled twice after arriving in Australia ahead of the Australian Open.
Kyrgios and Djokovic will meet at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.
The Serb warmed up for the Australian in style by winning the Adelaide International on Sunday
But speaking while hosting the ‘great arena show’ on Monday, Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said fans in Melbourne will be delighted to welcome the 35-year-old back.
‘Our sports fans are among the most educated in the world. They appreciate greatness, they appreciate players who, like Novak, have won this event nine times,” he told reporters.
‘I’m excited by the fact that we have all the players here. Novak is back, he could compete in front of the fans.
“And I’m pretty sure the Melbourne fans, similar to the experience he had in Adelaide, will be just as good.”