Happy Djokovic Returning To The Australian Open, Kyrgios: If Winless Passing Novak, It's Not A Tournament

Nick Kyrgios is pleased Novak Djokovic will be allowed to return to Australia to compete at the Australian Open in Melbourne next week, and believes the Serbian "must show himself playing totality" in the Grand Slam opener next season.

Djokovic was banned from returning to Australia as a consequence of being deported earlier this year for refusing to be vaccinated.

However, the decision has been overturned and the 21-time major tournament champion will have the opportunity to win an Australian Open title to extend his record.

Kyrgios is one of the loudest players to advocate for Djokovic during his deportation case last January. The world number 22 player from Australia feels the presence of the 35-year-old player is important at every event.

"I think Novak should show himself playing totality," Kyrgios said, as reported by Antara via AFP, Thursday.

"He is one of the greatest of all time, and as long as he will play and survive, we need him in this tournament."

Djokovic's absence in two of the four major tournaments in 2022 due to his vaccination status paved the way for the emergence of young talents.

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and as a result became the youngest world number one in ATP history.

"I think, as a competitor, I want to see him there," Kyrgios said of Djokovic.

"And if I win the tournament, if you don't get past Novak, then you know that the tournament is actually not a tournament."

Kyrgios is eager to return to the pitch against Djokovic, who defeated the Australian in the Wimbledon final last July.

"I'm really excited to fight Novak, because of the Wimbledon final and so on, I want to go there and have fun with him," said Kyrgios.

"But he had to look after his body, and obviously he had a few big months with a lot of hope, so I'm not surprised if he doesn't feel 100 percent to compete."

Kyrgios and Djokovic are scheduled to play in Dubai on Wednesday, but the Serb withdrew ahead of the game, and was replaced by team-mate Grigor Dimitrov.

"Novak Djokovic announced that he will not take part in tonight's World Tennis League (December 21) because he feels he is not 100 percent fit enough to play," said a statement released by WTL.

"Team Falcons will continue to play against Team Eagles and we look forward to Novak's return to midfield."

WTL is a mixed team event featuring 18 of the world's top players, taking place December 19-24 at the Coca Cola Arena Dubai.