Why Novak Djokovic believes it is ‘important’ Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios plays at the US Open – as their unlikely bromance continues

Nick Kyrgios has told Novak Djokovic he could return to action at the US Open later this year, a move the Serbian is said to welcome, saying the tennis world “really needs” him.

After Kyrgios was left drooling in the BBC commentary box over Djokovic’s masterful performance in reaching a 10th Wimbledon final, the seven-time champion revealed that the Australian was hitting the ball better than ever during their regular training sessions.

I can tell you that when we practiced, he [Kyrgios] He hit a really good serve and thought, ‘Well, maybe I’ll come back to the US Open,'” Djokovic told reporters.

‘I don’t know if he was joking or not, but I can tell you he still hits the ball as well as ever.

“He’s so talented. He’s so good at his tennis. I think he said he’s been struggling with his wrist especially on serve, but he’s increased the load, the intensity, the speed.

‘He doesn’t go for full speed or full power of the serve, but he gets close.

“I hope he can come back personally, and I think everyone in the tennis world hopes he can come back soon, because we absolutely need him on the tour.”

Kyrgios has not played since withdrawing on the eve of Wimbledon 2023 due to knee, wrist and foot injuries, limiting him to just one tour match last year.

The Serb (pictured, in the men’s Wimbledon semi-final) was all for it, declaring that the tennis world really needs Kyrgios back on court

But the 29-year-old Canberra star said during his commentary on Djokovic’s straight sets win over Lorenzo Musetti on Friday that he was keen to get back on the circuit while also enjoying his new television career.

“Honestly, I want to do both in the future,” Kyrgios said. “I love being here and watching it and analysing it, but I do miss being there.

“You know what a rush it brings. I want to give the fans something to remember, whether it’s good or bad. “Physically I’m good, I trained for two hours this morning.

“I’ve been hitting Novak every other day, so it’s good. Everything’s going well.”

Djokovic, who was once Kyrgios’ target, wants him back as soon as possible.

“He’s very positive. It’s nice to see him full of life and energy. He’s really excited to be here in Wimbledon, enjoying our training sessions and commentating.

“He’s a hugely important man for our sport. I think he’ll bring in new fans.

“It’s a bit of a bromance that we’ve had for the last few years, because for years we didn’t like each other at all. But now we get along really well. He was also really nice to my kids. He played with them.

“I think the return is close, but it’s hard to say. It’s one thing to really train, an hour or two, but it’s another thing when you’re on tour and playing in a tournament where you have to come back every day, maybe four, five, six days in a row.”

“I think he won’t know if his wrist will respond well until he actually plays a tournament.”