Novak Djokovic sends public message to Nick Kyrgios after Wimbledon win

Nick Kyrgios was in the commentary booth to watch Novak Djokovic secure a comfortable three-set victory over Vit Kopriva on Centre Court at Wimbledon on Tuesday afternoon.

Novak Djokovic spoke about Nick Kyrgios after his victory on Centre Court((ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has said he sympathises with Nick Kyrgios after he returned from injury to reach the second round at Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic will play at Wimbledon after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee at the French Open. He underwent surgery and wore a bandage on his knee during his three-set win over Vit Kopriva on Tuesday afternoon.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion is seeded second at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and was in fine form on Centre Court, winning 6-1 6-2 6-2 against his Czech opponent. After comfortably reaching the second round, Djokovic spoke openly about his return from injury, mentioning Kyrgios, who is working for the BBC as a pundit while recovering from his own injury.

“I’ve been lucky to compare myself to other 37-year-olds. I’ve had injuries like everybody else, but they come and go. It’s part of what you do,” Djokovic said. “You just have to accept it and embrace it. I think Nick Kyrgios is in the commentary booth… He’s suffered a lot of injuries. Talking about serious injuries, he’s had a few. I’ve been very lucky not to be away from tennis for a long time.”

“As an athlete, I sympathize with Nick and with all those who are struggling. It’s hard, you almost feel helpless sometimes, because something doesn’t allow you to return to what you love most and you are unable to practice your profession for years.

“Andy Murray’s withdrawal is a huge blow to the tournament, it’s unfortunate. I have a lot of respect for what he’s done in this tournament and in this sport. I just hope he can finish his career the way he wants to. I wish him all the best and to all those who are really suffering from injuries, I think it’s worth acknowledging all those athletes who are suffering.”

Djokovic is excited to compete at SW19 where he is aiming for a 25th Grand Slam title. He looked close to his best against Kopriva but revealed his knee has changed his mentality.

Nick Kyrgios works for the BBC at Wimbledon((Glynk Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)

“Obviously coming to Wimbledon this year was very different for me because of my knee. I’m really happy with how I played and how I felt on court,” he said. “I didn’t know how everything was going to go on court. I’m extremely happy with how I felt and how I played today.”