Novak Djokovic will be going up against Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, and ahead of the game, the Serb and Australian pros have developed a friendship. The two were part of some light banter on Instagram, which indicates that the stars will be going for dinner after the final with the winner paying the bill. 

Kyrgios, the 27-year-old, had initially reposted a tweet on his Instagram story about his improved relationship with Djokovic, asking the 35-year-old whether they were “friends now”. 

The Serb replied on his Instagram story, saying “If you are inviting me for a drink or dinner, I accept. PS winner of tomorrow pays.”

Kyrgios reposted this, stating “Deal, let’s go to a nightclub and go nuts.”

Kyrgios initially criticized Djokovic calling his celebration “cringeworthy”. Speaking to New York Times, the Aussie said “I just feel like he has a sick obsession of wanting to be liked”, adding, “For me personally I feel like he just wants to be liked so much I just can’t stand him. Like this whole celebration thing that he does after the match it’s like so cringe-worthy, very cringe-worthy”. 

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Djokovic, however, had been puzzled by Kyrgios’ response, saying to Sportsklub.rs “What can I say to Nick Kyrgios”, adding, “I really think he’s not really a bad guy. I do not know why he declares all these things, whether he wants to draw attention or some motive is different.” 

Then, in 2021, Kyrgios was among the first to defend the Serb when he faced trouble at the Australian Open over his COVID vaccine certificate

He wrote on Twitter, “Look I definitely believe in taking action, I got vaccinated because of others and for my mums (sic) health, but how we are handling Novak’s situation is bad, really bad. Like these memes, headlines, this is one of our great champions but at the end of the day, he is human. Do better.” 

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The pair’s exchange seems to indicate that they’ve buried the hatchet now, as Kyrgios goes into his maiden Grand Slam final appearance, while Djokovic will be looking to snag his 21st title.