Novak Djokovic 'sacks coach in front of 15,000 people' in Nick Kyrgios charity clash
Novak Djokovic pretended to ditch his coach during his pre-Australian Open charity match with Nick Kyrgios as he sought advice from a member of the crowd who managed to win the upcoming rally. Goran Ivanisevic then joked that he had been "fired in front of 15,000 people" and was ready to go home without his charge.
Djokovic and Kyrgios treated Australian Open fans to an exhibition match ahead of the tournament on Friday, heading to a jam-packed Rod Laver Arena for what the tournament called a "showdown in the arena" for their first encounter since the Wimbledon final. It was the Australian who leaped first to win the opening set in a tiebreak and the nine-time Australian Open champion turned to a member of the crowd for advice to help him in the second set.
The world number 5 backed up to the baseline and motioned for a spectator to lean in for help, taking their advice for the next point and winning it. Djokovic then pretended to dismiss his own coach mid-game, with Ivanisevic sitting watching the court.
And the former Wimbledon champion-turned-coach gave his verdict a few games later, noting that he had been sent off in front of a full stadium. "Yes, I lost my job in front of 15,000 people," said the Croatian when asked about the incident.
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The 51-year-old was already ready to part ways with Djokovic after he was fired, as he added: "I have a flight at 10:45 Emirates so I'm fine, watch and go." Ivanisevic was also offered another job as he was asked if he would consider coaching Kyrgios, but the 2001 Wimbledon winner replied: "I don't think he needs a coach, c is one and only."
It looked like the 21-time Grand Slam champion didn't need Ivanisevic as he managed to win the second set 4-2 in the quick 4 format - something that left Djokovic confused early in the game. game while the host had to bring him a sheet of paper explaining the rules.
With everything squared in one set, the charity clash resulted in a decisive tie-breaking match where wheelchair stars David Wagner and Heath Davidson joined the two men on the court and turned the clash into doubles match. And they were then replaced by two younger ones as Kyrgios and his young partner saved three match points to win 4-2 2-4 10-9.
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Novak Djokovic pretended to ditch his coach during his pre-Australian Open charity match with Nick Kyrgios as he sought advice from a member of the crowd who managed to win the upcoming rally. Goran Ivanisevic then joked that he had been "fired in front of 15,000 people" and was ready to go home without his charge.
Djokovic and Kyrgios treated Australian Open fans to an exhibition match ahead of the tournament on Friday, heading to a jam-packed Rod Laver Arena for what the tournament called a "showdown in the arena" for their first encounter since the Wimbledon final. It was the Australian who leaped first to win the opening set in a tiebreak and the nine-time Australian Open champion turned to a member of the crowd for advice to help him in the second set.
The world number 5 backed up to the baseline and motioned for a spectator to lean in for help, taking their advice for the next point and winning it. Djokovic then pretended to dismiss his own coach mid-game, with Ivanisevic sitting watching the court.
And the former Wimbledon champion-turned-coach gave his verdict a few games later, noting that he had been sent off in front of a full stadium. "Yes, I lost my job in front of 15,000 people," said the Croatian when asked about the incident.
JUST IN: Dan Evans accuses Gerard Pique of overpaying tennis players
The 51-year-old was already ready to part ways with Djokovic after he was fired, as he added: "I have a flight at 10:45 Emirates so I'm fine, watch and go." Ivanisevic was also offered another job as he was asked if he would consider coaching Kyrgios, but the 2001 Wimbledon winner replied: "I don't think he needs a coach, c is one and only."
It looked like the 21-time Grand Slam champion didn't need Ivanisevic as he managed to win the second set 4-2 in the quick 4 format - something that left Djokovic confused early in the game. game while the host had to bring him a sheet of paper explaining the rules.
With everything squared in one set, the charity clash resulted in a decisive tie-breaking match where wheelchair stars David Wagner and Heath Davidson joined the two men on the court and turned the clash into doubles match. And they were then replaced by two younger ones as Kyrgios and his young partner saved three match points to win 4-2 2-4 10-9.
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