"Melbourne is going to be an opportunity to do that" - Djokovic hints that long-awaited dinner with Kyrgios could happen at Australian Open

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic has hinted that his long-awaited dinner with Nick Kyrgios could take place during the Australian Open.

The previously-frosty relationship between Djokovic and Kyrgios has taken a positive turn over the last 12 months. Kyrgios branded Djokovic a “tool” during the 2021 Australian Open, but last year came to his defense when he was fighting to stay in Australia due to his vaccination status.

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There were then some light-hearted social media exchanges between the pair around their 2022 Wimbledon final, which Djokovic won in four sets.The exchanges included the offer of dinner, which was followed up on by Djokovic after the final.

Djokovic was asked ahead of the Australian Open about having a meal with Kyrgios, as well as the prospect of the Australian playing in this year’s Serbia Open.

“Still no dinner,” the Serbian, who suffered an injury scare in practice, told Tennis Majors. “But Melbourne is going to be an opportunity to do that. As for the Serbia Open, considering that he was one of the very few people who stood by me and supported me in Australia, I think that people back home have changed their opinion about him in a positive way – many people are now eager to see him play.

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"We are having conversations, we had them last year as well. We would love to have him there, I think that he would enjoy his time there and that he would have a lot of support. If he wants to, he is more than welcome.”

Djokovic and Kyrgios will meet in the 'Arena Showdown' at Melbourne Park on Friday - a practice match which you can stream live and on demand on discovery+. Djokovic is the strong favorite at the Australian Open, where he will be bidding for a 10th title.