Novak Djokovic gets Kyrgios plea after pulling out of pre-Aus Open event | Tennis | Sport

“There’s obviously something there that he wants to achieve, whether it’s another Grand Slam or something else,” Kyrgios told the Sydney Morning Herald as he made his own return to competition in Brisbane.

“But I think we should just cherish the fact that someone that old in our sport is still at the top of it and still gives everything to it. The longer we have guys like this around, the better it is for our sport.

“I feel like there’s been a void in the sport ever since Federer and Nadal left… and obviously when Novak goes, that era is completely gone. I want him to stay for as long as possible.”

While Djokovic has yet to start his 2026 season, Kyrgios is already back in action and played his first official singles match since March at the Brisbane International, losing to Aleksandar Kovacevic in 66 minutes.

The former world No. 13 has spent the last three years battling knee and wrist injuries and has undergone multiple surgeries. He’s still alive in the doubles draw with Thanasi Kokkinakis, and is waiting to learn whether he will receive a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open.

After playing – and losing – his first tour-level singles match in 291 days, Kyrgios admitted he was where he wanted to be, even though there was still work to be done, and referenced Djokovic’s Adelaide withdrawal.

“As of right now, I’m exactly where I actually want to be. You know, obviously the result, can’t win them all. Novak pulls out of Adelaide because he’s not physically where he wants to be,” Kyrgios said.

“Right now, I’m okay taking the loss on my chin and moving forward and just building and getting out there and playing more. Can’t take these moments for granted.”