Nick Kyrgios vs Novak Djokovic: Exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena

He may be one of the greatest players of all time, but on Friday night Novak Djokovic couldn’t believe what he’d done.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 13: Nick Kyrgios of Australia prepares before his Arena Showdown charity match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia ahead of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 13, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

For the first time since their Wimbledon showdown, Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic faced off across the net from one another.

Inside a jam-packed Rod Laver Arena, the two put on a show for the crowd in what was billed as an exhibition contest ahead of the Australian Open.

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Tickets for the extravangza sold out in less than an hour and the two of the best tennis players on the planet didn’t disappoint.

Despite both men entering the contest under injury clouds, they put those fears to bed as they raced around the court.

Kyrgios delivered a slight jab to his rival before the contest got underway, telling him he was out for revenge.

“It’s amazing. It’s a very special moment for me so hopefully we can put on a show for you guys. I know the last couple of years in Melbourne especially it’s been a struggle, so let’s get as much sport as we can and let’s have some fun,” Kyrgios said on Channel 9.

“I need payback from Wimbledon, I’m not gonna lie I haven’t slept since. We will see how it goes.”

Got him. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Once the action got underway, while at a slightly softer pace than what will come from Monday onwards, it was the 21-time Grand Slam superstar who was left red-faced.

Playing under the Fast 4 format, the rules are vastly different to regular tennis and Djokovic clearly forgot the changing laws.

In Kyrgios’ first service game on the second point his serve clipped the net with Djokovic casually hitting a tweener back.

Unfortunately for Djokovic the ball was in play, but he had already turned his back and began to walk back to his towel.

Kyrgios pounced and flicked the ball back over the net as Djokovic turned around in disbelief as he put his hand over his face as his mistake sunk in.

Lets are in play tonight, Novak 😂@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023pic.twitter.com/CTj9A5dnwN

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2023

Those in attendance and those watching on were given a show by the two stars with Kyrgios claiming the first serve before Djokovic bounced back and took the second set.

Highlights were aplenty but it was the Aussie who produced the most breathtaking moment of the night.

As he stood waiting for a lob to come down from the roof, he showed off his flair as he turned around and hit a between the legs tweener.

Djokovic scrambled to return the shot before Kyrgios put the point away leaving the crowd in awe and delivering a round of applause.

Looking forward to seeing plenty of this next week, @NickKyrgios 🔥#GoAussies • #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/SNMBFNDSZM

— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 13, 2023

Things took a more relaxed turn as a tiebreaker got underway with wheelchair players Heath David and David Wagner joining the stars on the court.

But it was when the superstars were joined by up and coming 10-year-old juniors that the crowd found another gear.

The two men fed into the action as the youngster produced some stunning shots. In the end it was Kyrgios who emerged victorious.

The loudest match point you'll ever hear 😂

Team Kyrgios prevails 4-3(3) 2-4 10-9 over Team Djokovic 👏@NickKyrgios • #AusOpen • #AO23pic.twitter.com/cf3Y8LCfk6

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2023