'He loves sending me clips from nightclubs': Novak Djokovic shares hilarious details about his friendship with Nick Kyrgios

Novak Djokovic recently spoke with Serbian journalists about his relationship with Nick Kyrgios, revealing that they have a close friendship that includes calls and videos from Kyrgios's parties. The two, who were rivals in the 2022 Wimbledon final, have developed a strong bond off the court, with mutual praise over the last few years.

Their relationship wasn't always so friendly. Kyrgios was initially critical of Djokovic's on-court behavior, and the two had a cold relationship. However, everything changed after the pandemic, when the Australian was one of the few players to publicly defend Djokovic amid criticism he received for his stance on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Since then, their dynamic has shifted to a "bromance," and they now talk and exchange messages regularly. Kyrgios’s outspoken personality and Djokovic's determined character have found common ground, and both have expressed mutual respect.

Djokovic's honest take on Kyrgios's career

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is having another great major run, having reached the US Open semifinals after defeating 2024 runner-up Taylor Fritz. He is now preparing to face Carlos Alcaraz for a spot in the final. During his media duties, Djokovic was asked about his friendship with Kyrgios and his opinion on one of the Tour's great talents.

"Nick, unfortunately, never had the discipline that was needed," Djokovic said, according to Clay. "If he had 30 percent of the discipline required—and he has about five percent—he’d be Top 10 easily."

The former world No. 1 admitted he texts Kyrgios occasionally and even received a video of the Australian partying with Serbian fans. "He sent me a video once. He loves sending me clips from nightclubs, bars—I didn’t even reply to the last one! He always says: 'Why do I keep running into Serbs everywhere in the world?'" Djokovic said with a smile. "He'll go to a party, bump into one of ours, they’ll say: 'Nick, you Serb!' Then they hug, drink, and he sends me the videos."

A call for Kyrgios's return

Kyrgios has been practically off the Tour for the last few years. Between 2023 and 2024, he barely played a match, and his 2025 return hasn't been what was expected, as he's only played a handful of tournaments with just one win and has withdrawn from several events he was confirmed for. "I'd really love for him to come back, because he's been through so much with injuries. He means a lot to our sport," Nole said.

"As controversial and different as he is, people love it—he draws the crowds. I saw him talking with Bublik about playing a match against Aryna Sabalenka, a 'Battle of the Sexes' like Billie Jean King back in the day. That would be very interesting if it happens," the Serbian explained, before adding, "I hope he can finish his career on the court. It would be a shame if injuries prevented him from playing at least a few more big tournaments. Unfortunately, he didn't have the discipline that was required, but if he had 30 percent—and he has five percent—he'd be Top 10 easily. He played a Wimbledon final without warm-up, without serious training, without a coach, and beat all of us at the top."

"He has so much talent and potential, he could have done incredible things, but neglecting his body brought him where he is. As a friend, I really like him and hope he comes back—to play that match with Sabalenka and at least his Australian Open, because he deserves that. It's not an easy situation for a tennis player—you don't know, you're neither here nor there, unofficially retired but still trying. I wish him all the best, and maybe a little less drinking and sending those videos."