Nick Kyrgios gave an interview to CNN before facing his return to competition after almost a year without competing. The Australian tennis player analyzed his expectations for the next Australian Open, Australia's attitude to the coronavirus pandemic and also to explain the reason for his criticism of Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios commented that the measures taken by the authorities for the Australian Open are necessary and believes that the players' criticism of the quarantine is unjustified. “The first thing my eyes see is health and safety. At the end of the day, this is just a tennis tournament. in which we play and I don't think we should underestimate health protocols and put more people at risk. The players knew when they came here what restrictions they were going to have, so in my opinion their complaints have no validity. “
The tennis player also highlighted the attitude of the citizens of Australia when it comes to fighting the pandemic, with very strict measures that have made the oceanic country have much better rates than in other countries in the world. “I think if everyone had done the same as Australia we would be in a different situation. As a country Australia has dealt very well with the pandemic. As a country we have all been together and worked well. In Melbourne, with the bubble, they have done an incredible job. I feel safe”.
Kyrgios also took the opportunity to comment on why he did not play the final leg of the season tournaments for fear of the coronavirus. “I didn't feel safe last year traveling and playing in other continents. I thought it was early to play. I think conditions are safer now. and that everyone is working together.
Finally, Kyrgios once again pointed out Novak Djokovic, the target of his darts in recent months because of the pandemic, and justified his criticism by ensuring that the Serbian should be an example for the rest of the tennis players. “Djokovic is one of the leaders of our sport. He is our LeBron James so he should be an example for all tennis players. When he did some things that he has done during the pandemic, it was not the time. We all make mistakes and many of us get off track at times but I think we have to be responsible. I have not done any of this to get media attention, they are my principles and I grew up with them. I was just trying to do my part. “