'Frenemies' locked in for exhibition match

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Concerns surrounding Nick Kyrgios' fittingness starring into adjacent week's Australian Open person been allayed with the Aussie firebrand committing to an accumulation lucifer against Novak Djokovic connected Friday night.

Speaking connected Monday, Tennis Australia main enforcement Craig Tiley announced that the brace would conscionable successful a foundation lucifer astatine Rod Laver Arena "extravaganza", with each proceeds from summons income to beryllium donated to the Australian Tennis Foundation.

The lucifer volition service arsenic the finale of the Australian Open's Perfect Practice bid - an accidental for drawcards to hole nether lucifer conditions successful the pb up to the Slam.

The once-daily matches volition see Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Coco Gauff and Maria Sakkari - to sanction a few.

Kyrgios and Djokovic past met successful past year's Wimbledon last wherever Djokovic emerged victorious, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

Two of a kind, Kyrgios and Djokovic person notoriously swayed betwixt an on-again, off-again narration portion connected circuit together.

Despite Kyrgios precocious withdrawing from Australia's United Cup team astatine the eleventh hour to retrieve from a persisting ankle injury, Tiley said helium had been successful connection with the satellite No.22's squad who assured him that Kyrgios would beryllium acceptable to play connected Friday.

The lucifer volition besides service arsenic Djokovic's return to Melbourne Park aft helium was infamously deported from the state up of past year's tournament.

Following a affirmative acquisition successful South Australia - wherever Djokovic claimed the Adelaide International title connected Sunday - Tiley was assured tennis fans in Melbourne would amusement the nine-time Australian Open champion the aforesaid affection.

"He truly enjoyed the acquisition successful South Australia and helium was welcomed … helium loved it there," helium said.

"I emotion that our fans are sporting fans and are among the astir educated and admit greatness. They admit players similar Novak that person won this lawsuit 9 times.

"Novak is backmost and I'm beauteous assured that the Melbourne fans – akin to the acquisition helium had successful Adelaide – volition beryllium conscionable arsenic good."

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