Nick Kyrgios' pointed swipe after Novak Djokovic win at Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios has declared Australia "created a monster" in deporting Novak Djokovic 12 months ago after the Serbian star returned with a vengeance in 2023. Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday night's Australian Open final, capturing his 10th title at Melbourne Park and 22nd career grand slam.

Speaking in his post-match speech, Djokovic declared the triumph the "biggest ever" in his career. The 35-year-old broke down in tears while embracing his family and coaching staff immediately after the final point, while also weeping tears of joy before the post-match presentation.

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The controversy that erupted 12 months ago was undoubtedly at the forefront of Djokovic's mind after he had his visa cancelled and was deported from the country ahead of the 2022 Australian Open. The Serbian star was forced to watch on from home as Rafa Nadal won the title for his 21st career grand slam, before he captured No.22 at the French Open.

But Djokovic returned with a vengeance in 2023, winning his 22nd major to go equal with Nadal's all-time men's record. And according to Kyrgios, the events that transpired 12 months ago only spurred Djokovic to recapture the Australian Open title.

The Aussie star tweeted on Sunday night: “Haha I told you. We created a monster. Well done @DjokerNole…. Sat on my couch and enjoyed the entire show. Soak it all in….” Kyrgios also made the bold prediction: “He will get to 28 slams easy."

Kyrgios was one of the few players who expressed their support for Djokovic when he was detained by Border Force officials and eventually deported. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke declared at the time that Djokovic's vaccination status had the potential to stir up anti-vax support in Australia.

“For the sport, we need him here … I just want it to end,” Kyrgios said at the time. “I’m feeling for him now, it’s not really humane what’s going on.”

Kyrgios added: “If he’s allowed to play the Australian Open, I don’t want any bar of him. I reckon he’s going to be p***ed off. He’s going to be very determined to play well and stick it to everyone of what’s going on. And I don’t want any bar of that Novak.”

Kyrgios sentiment was proven absolutely correct as Djokovic marched through the Australian Open field on his way to the title. He has now won 28 matches in a row at the Australian Open and 41 in all events Down Under. The last time Djokovic lost a match in Australia was all the way back in 2018 against Hyeon Chung in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic opens up on 'greatest' triumph

Djokovic lifted the lid on what a 10th title in Australia means to him in his victory speech. "I have to say that this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have ever played in my life, considering the circumstances not playing last year, coming back this year," he said.

"Only the team and the family knows what we've been through in the last four or five weeks. And this probably is, I would say, the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances."

Despite going equal with Nadal on 22 majors, Djokovic later played down suggestions he's the greatest of all time. Tsitsipas declared in his runner-up speech that Djokovic is "the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet for sure."

But Djokovic said in his post-match press conference: "I am so honoured and privileged to be in this discussion, first. Second, I truly honour and admire the history and all the greats that paved the way for all of us to be here where we are. I feel like it's difficult to have a conversation about this because every generation is different.

"You know, 30, 40 years ago you played three out of four slams on the grass with wooden racquets. Technology has advanced so much. Things have changed. Hard to compare generations.

"But I feel like I gave my best really and I'm still doing that. So if the people see me as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, I'm very grateful."

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