Classy post-match act makes Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic ‘bromance’ official

Even Hollywood stars liked what they saw from Nick Kyrgios, who was gracious in defeat while confirming his Novak Djokovic “bromance”.

There was a lot of love on Centre Court. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

It’s official — Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic are bros.

The controversial pair sealed their relationship after the Serbian superstar downed the Aussie 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to claim his seventh Wimbledon crown and deny Kyrgios his first grand slam title.

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It’s been a long road for the pair to this stage, having publicly clashed in the past, but everything changed after Djokovic was deported from Australia and Kyrgios emerged as one of his few public supporters.

There have been Instagram messages, comments to the media and now it’s official — the “bromance” is on.

“He’s a bit of a god,” Kyrgios said after his loss. “I’m not going to lie, I thought I played well.

“But first of all, I wanted to congratulate Novak, and your team, you’ve won this tournament I don’t know how many times.

“And then to all the ballkids and umpires, I know me and you have a very tough relationship at times but I thought I’d thank you for putting up with it.

“And then the crowd, It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for me personally.”

Kyrgios also cast doubt on whether he’d go this deep in a grand slam again, saying: “Absolutely not. I’m so tired, honestly. Myself, my team, we’re all exhausted. We’ve played so much tennis.

“I’m really happy with this result and maybe one day I’ll be here again but I don’t know about that.”

Is this the start of something beautiful? Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP

Djokovic hoped Kyrgios would give it another shot.

“You’ll be back, not just Wimbledon but in finals,” he said. “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, particularly on this surface.

“Congrats to you and your team for an amazing tournament. I wish you all the best man.

“I really respect you a lot, you are a phenomenal tennis player, an athlete, an amazing talent — you’ve been hearing all of that for many years — and now everything is starting to come together for you so I’m sure we’re going to see much of you in the later stages of a tournament.

“I never thought I would say so many nice things about you considering the relationship.”

Djokovic then uttered four words that sealed the deal. “It’s officially a bromance,” he said.

In the lead-up to the final, the pair took to social media and locked in their budding bro-lationship with a friendly wager for the final — whoever won would pay for drinks and dinner later.

In the post-match interview, Djokovic joked: “That’s why he lost.

“I don’t know if we’re going to make it happen tonight or some other night but this is the start of a wonderful relationship between the two of us, off the court as well.”

As for Kyrgios’ social media suggestion the pair hit up a nightclub together, Djokovic said: “I didn’t respond to the nightclub question because my wife was next to me but let’s start with dinner and drinks.”

Lovely scenes between Novak and Nick. Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

It’s Novak’s shout. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Despite the result, Kyrgios was all smiles as he congratulated Djokovic at the net, while the 35-year-old wrapped an arm around the Aussie as they walked over to the umpire.

After the warm speeches, the pair continued to laugh and chat together, until Kyrgios’ requirements were done, parting with one more hug.

Social media went nuts for the brilliant scenes from the polarising stars.

Hollywood star Ben Stiller wrote: “Congrats @DjokerNole. Huge achievement. Class act. @NickKyrgios too - so great to see such high level tennis. #Wimbledon.”

BBC journalist Mimi Fawaz added: “Enjoyed that Wimbledon post match interview between two opponents who have now started a ‘bromance’.”

Paralympic gold medallist Jennifer Kehoe tweeted: “Best speeches from #Wimbledon in a long while. #bromance.”

Three-time Paralympic wheelchair rugby player Andy Barrow said: “Great interview #Kyrgios - Own your style. Shake hands when it’s done.”

Journalist Harry Brent commented: “Fair play to Kyrgios. I know this is the first time he’s made it to this stage so he’s probably not going to sulk, but I always appreciate someone who can instantly put frostiness behind them when the match ends.”

The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach posted: “What a lovely trophy ceremony. That got even cuter as it went on.”

Love, love, loving this trophy ceremony. Lovely vibes from both in their speeches. What a great way to cap off that final. #Wimbledon

— Yasmin Syed (@yasminstefsyed) July 10, 2022

These two speeches are fantastic. #Wimbledon

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) July 10, 2022

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That was my favorite trophy presentation in the history of trophy presentations #Wimbledon

— Maggie Davis (@MaggieDavisTV) July 10, 2022

They can’t keep their hands off each other! Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Kyrgios was questioned again about his relationship with Djokovic, saying he always respected the Serbian legend.

“Me and Novak actually practised together a lot early in my career, we practised in Rome, Toronto and then obviously we butted heads a little bit,” Kyrgios said.

“But as a tennis player, I’ve always respected him, what he was able to do. And then when I stood up for him, he was surprised but ever since then, I feel like when the chips are down and someone comes out …

“What I did, was not easy. I kind of went against my whole nation and spoke out about it. So I feel like that’s an underline no matter how much you don’t like someone or how different they are, if they’re going to take arrows in the back for you in public, then you’ve got to have ultimate respect for them.

“Today I feel like it was just two completely different players, I mean, I’m not meant to be a Wimbledon finalist, where I’m from and everything I’ve been through, I just feel ridiculous to be here talking as a Wimbledon finalist.

“But I feel like we have a bit of a good relationship now. And I’m honoured to go out there and do battle with the best.

“This is just an example, anything’s possible, really. Someone like me about to go out there and keep Novak Djokovic out there for three hours in a Wimbledon final, it’s pretty cool.”

Nick praised Novak in his post-match presser. Photo: YouTube

In the past, Kyrgios has slammed Djokovic, claiming he “can’t stand him” because of his “sick obsession with being liked”.

Kyrgios was a vocal critic of Djokovic’s actions in holding the infamous Adria Tour during the Covid-19 pandemic, where the Serbian was seen partying in a nightclub with other players, before labelling him “a tool” for his complaints about the conditions players endured before the 2021 Australian Open.

Djokovic clapped back at the time, saying: “Off the court, I don’t have much respect for him.”

But all this changed when Kyrgios publicly supported Djokovic during the deportation saga, saying Australia needed to “do better” with its treatment of the tennis champion.