Nick Kyrgios appears to have turned down Novak Djokovic's advances after the Serbian cheekily claimed that he could coach him to winning five Grand Slams.
Kyrgios, 27, is yet to win a Grand Slam and most recently came close last year, reaching the Wimbledon final before world number one Djokovic beat him in a tense four-set clash. Having shared a frosty relationship down the years, the pair are now friendly off the court.
So much so that when asked who he'd like to coach one day, Djokovic named Kyrgios. "I would love to coach Nick Kyrgios," the 35-year-old replied. "He would win five (Grand) Slams with me, but it would not come cheap!"
Kyrgios, who's been sidelined in 2023 due to injury, soon replied on Instagram. "Hahahah," the Australian wrote. "Instead let's go have a nice dinner and some drinks!"
Unfortunately for Kyrgios, any opportunity to win a Grand Slam looks a while away amid his struggles with a knee injury. Last week, the 27-year-old explained that week he was taking his comeback 'day by day', having targeted a return by featuring in the French Open at the end of May.
"Currently taking it day by day with my knee and building up load," Kyrgios wrote on social media alongside a picture of himself in the gym. "Trying to get back to where I was."
Blessed with plenty of natural talent, Kyrgios will have high hopes once he makes his return, especially after Djokovic's praise in the immediate aftermath of the final clash last year. "Nick, you'll be back. Not just at Wimbledon, but in [Grand Slam] finals," the 22-major champion said.
Have your say! Do you agree with Djokovic? Join the debate in the comments section.
"I know it's tough to find consolation words after a tough loss like this, but you showed why you deserve to be one of the best players in the world. I really respect you a lot. I think you are a phenomenal tennis player, an amazing talent.
"Everything is starting to come together for you. I never thought I would say so many nice things about you, considering our relationship! Okay, it's officially a bromance."
As for Djokovic, he suffered a shock exit from the Monte-Carlo Masters last week but bounced back on Wednesday by claiming an victory over Luca Van Assche at the Srpska Open, booking his place in the quarter-finals.
