Wimbledon finalists Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic have hatched a plan to go clubbing together on Sunday night regardless of how their clash goes on Centre Court.
The pair were once considered bitter rivals, with the Australian having launched numerous verbal attacks on Djokovic over the years. He famously lambasted the Serbian's ill-fated Adria Tour back in 2020, and then labelled him a 'tool' ahead of the 2021 Australian Open.
But it was in the build-up to the same tournament this year where relations between the two seemingly thawed. During the explosive visa saga which culminated in Djokovic being deported out of Victoria, Kyrgios was one of the few fellow players to offer public support over his decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
And during his run to the final at SW19, Kyrgios, 27, told reporters the pair now shared an unlikely 'bromance', and even messaged each other on a regular basis. And sure enough, fans were left enthralled by a humorous social media exchange on Sunday morning.
The Canberra man posted a grab of their quotes prior to Sunday's final, Kyrgios captioned his Instagram story: "@djokernole We friends now?" The 20-time Slam champion responded, joking: "If you are inviting me for drinks or dinner, I accept," he wrote. "P.S. winner of tomorrow pays."
The proposal for a dignified evening clearly wasn't exciting enough for Kyrgios though, who then upped the ante by posting: "Deal, let's go to a nightclub and go nuts," he wrote.
There is irony attached to Kyrgios' offer, given it was Djokovic's clubbing antics on that Adria Tour which he also blasted. He publicly described his antics as "boneheaded."
It is Djokovic, 35, who will undoubtedly start as favourite on Sunday afternoon, as he seeks to close the gap on Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, who has a record 22 Slam titles, was forced to withdraw from his semi-final with Kyrgios with injury.
And these Championships have taken on extra incentive for him, with his continued stance on Covid set to cost him a place at the US Open in August. He is also likely to be absent at the 2023 Australian Open.
On the contrary, Kyrgios will be playing in his first Slam final, with last-eight appearances at Wimbledon and the Australian Open his previous best efforts. And the star has been as divisive as ever during his fortnight at SW19.
He was fined for spitting towards a spectator during his first-round win over Paul Jubb, and then hit further trouble in his fiery third-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas. The infamous Aussie was handed another financial penalty for an 'audible obscenity'.
And irrespective of whether he lifts the trophy on Sunday afternoon, he will have to endure legal proceedings next month when he's back down under. Kyrgios is due to appear in an Australian court next month following allegations of an assault on his ex-partner, Chiara Passari.
