Nick Kyrgios asks Novak Djokovic to help him ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios hopes to lean on nemesis-turned-friend Novak Djokovic for crucial training ahead of the Australian Open, but on one condition.

Djokovic confirmed on Thursday that he plans to play the Australian in a practice match in Melbourne, although Kyrgios has requested that they play a shorter set.

In what is likely to be Kyrgios’ only action before the first major of the year, the Australian made a controversial late withdrawal from the first United Cup with an ankle injury.

Nick Kyrgios has asked for help as he faces a race against time for the Australian Open

‘We are talking to the Australian Open about doing something a week before the start of the tournament,’ Djokovic confirmed after booking a quarter-final berth at the Adelaide International 1.

‘Yes, I had a chat with Nick, and I wanted to play with him, and he accepted, but he wanted a shorter set. Let’s see if that works.’

Djokovic, a nine-time winner at Melbourne Park, said the show would be part of a new initiative by Tennis Australia that includes ticketed practice matches at Rod Laver Arena before the start of the main event on January 16.

Kyrgios has asked Novak Djokovic to help him prepare as he recovers from an ankle injury

The couple once shared a toxic relationship but now enjoy a new found bromance

‘I am happy if that is organised; we still don’t have 100 percent confirmation, but I think it’s probably going to happen with Nick, so I’m looking forward to that,’ Djokovic said.

The world No.22 lost to Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final, the 21-time major title winner declaring ‘it’s officially a bromance’ after pampering the Australian in a pre-final practice session where the winner was already decided will pay for dinner.

Kyrgios, who has previously called Djokovic a ‘tool’ and mocked his post-match celebrations, has defended him amid his deportation from Australia ahead of the 2022 tournament due to his unvaccinated status.

Djokovic is targeting his tenth Australian Open title on his return Down Under for 2023

‘I’m not his favorite person, let’s put it that way, for years,’ Djokovic, who could also play doubles with Kyrgios later this year, agreed.

‘But he was one of the very few who stood by me last year, and I respect that and appreciate that.

‘In those moments you really see who really supports you and who is on your side and who goes along with the flow of society and the pressures that the media puts on you.

‘He gives me a lot of support in moments where I’m challenged a lot, and him as an Australian, I respect that a lot.

‘Since then, our relationship has changed for the better.’