“I think my relationship with the big three is all different. I’m really close with Novak now.[I’m] quite close with Roger[Federer]. And me and Rafa – we just[nod] when we walk past each other.”
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The 19th seeded Kyrgios,who plays Russian Roman Safiullin in his opening round on Tuesday,has not played an official singles match since withdrawing from a quarter-final against Taylor Fritz at the Japan Open in October.
The Wimbledon finalist injured a knee and ankle in an exhibition in the United Arab Emirates in December and subsequently withdrew from the United Cup on the eve of the tournament.
Aside from his outing against Djokovic on Friday night,he has been training at Melbourne Park this week and there have been no signs of lingering knee or ankle soreness.
“I’m just doing everything right at the moment,” he said.
“I have always been a player that doesn’t need too many matches. Obviously there are players that need a lot of matches going into a grand slam. But me,I just like to feel fresh.”
Where Kyrgios is scheduled to play Safiullin and,should he progress,in matches including a possible third round encounter against Danish sensation Holger Rune will be fascinating.
The 27-year-old has previously preferred playing on the slightly off-Broadway John Cain Arena during Australian Opens but said on Saturday he is happy to be on the main stage.
“I don’t necessarily mind any more. I’ve played so many matches over the last year on the biggest courts in the world,” he said.
“I think I’ve always got a little bit of a soft spot for John Cain Arena[because] I’ve had so many amazing memories on that court.
“[But] if it’s Rod Laver,I’m OK with that. I feel extremely at home on any kind of court I play on now.”
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