'Djokovic needs to be playing at all costs,' says Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios believes Novak Djokovic "needs to be playing at all costs" and is happy the Serb will be allowed back into Australia to compete in the opening Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne next month.

Djokovic was banned from returning to Australia as a consequence of being deported earlier this year over his refusal to be vaccinated.

However, that decision has been reversed and the 21-time major champion will get the opportunity to vie for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown in a few weeks' time.

Kyrgios was one of the most outspoken players advocating for Djokovic during his deportation debacle last January and the Australian world number 22 feels the 35-year-old's presence is essential at every event.

"I think Novak needs to be playing at all costs," Kyrgios told AFP at the World Tennis League in Dubai on Wednesday.

"He's one of the greatest of all time and as long as he's going to be playing and hanging around, we need him at these tournaments."

Djokovic's absence from two of the four majors in 2022 due to his vaccination status has made way for young talent to emerge.

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz claimed a maiden 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 a tournament, if you don't go through Novak, then you kind of know the tournament isn't really a tournament."

Kyrgios and Djokovic were scheduled to square off in Dubai on Wednesday but the Serb pulled out ahead of the match and was replaced by his team-mate Grigor Dimitrov.

"Novak Djokovic announced that he would not be partaking in the World Tennis League event tonight (21 December) due to not feeling 100