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Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios Brutally Mocks Novak Djokovic With Entrance Gesture

"I don’t like him at all, so it’s fun."

MELBOURNE - Nick Kyrgios renewed his running feud with Novak Djokovic on Sunday when he mocked the world number one with a grand entrance to an empty Margaret Court Arena for his Australian Open doubles match.

Before a men’s doubles match with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian imitated the way Djokovic celebrates victories with extravagant gestures to all four corners of a stadium.

“Just feeling the love,” the 25-year-old Aussie, knocked out of the singles by Dominic Thiem on Friday night, said when asked to explain his entrance.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis walk onto Margaret Court Arena ahead of their Men's Doubles second round match during day seven of the 2021 Australian Open.
Daniel Pockett via Getty Images
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis walk onto Margaret Court Arena ahead of their Men's Doubles second round match during day seven of the 2021 Australian Open.

“Just trying to spread the good word of the celebration. Everyone loves that celebration. It’s well liked.”

Kyrgios described Djokovic as a “tool” for requesting better conditions for players during their 14-day pre-tournament quarantine, doubling down on his criticism of the Serbian’s ill-fated Adria Tour early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Djokovic returned fire by saying last week that he did not “have much respect” for the Australian off the tennis court.

Novak Djokovic walks onto the court in his Men's Singles third round match during day five of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 12, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia.
Quinn Rooney via Getty Images
Novak Djokovic walks onto the court in his Men's Singles third round match during day five of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 12, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia.

Kokkinakis said there had been nothing malicious in the gestures, just the doubles partners trying to generate some energy in a stadium court devoid of fans because of Melbourne’s five-day coronavirus lockdown.

Kyrgios agreed, but could not resist directing another barb at the 17-times Grand Slam champion.

“We’re just having some fun,” he added. “Novak, I’m sure, doesn’t like me and we both have respect for each other, but I don’t like him at all, so it’s fun.”

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