Nick Kyrgios sparks debate with Djokovic post following Bondi Beach shooting

December 15, 2025 Oliver Obel

A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has reignited long-running debates about Australia’s firearm regulations and prompted a pointed social-media response from tennis star Nick Kyrgios.

The incident, which drew more than 1,000 attendees to Bondi’s Archer Park on Sunday evening, is now under intense public scrutiny as authorities piece together how the attack unfolded.

Rising questions after the attack

Police told Reuters that two men 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his son, 24-year-old Naveed opened fire on the crowd shortly before 7 p.m. local time.
Sixteen people were killed, officers confirmed on Monday, with the elder Akram fatally shot by police at the scene.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking to ABC, said investigators had found “no evidence” that the pair were connected to a broader network. He added that the attack appeared to stem from extremist motives.

The shooting has also renewed discussions around whether Australia’s long-standing gun controls are keeping pace with rising legal ownership. Reuters reporting shows that the number of registered firearms has been climbing for more than two decades.

Kyrgios’ viral criticism

Against that backdrop, Kyrgios who grew up in Canberra reshared a widely circulated post questioning the government’s approach to public safety.

The message contrasted images of the two Bondi gunmen with a photo of Novak Djokovic, alongside the caption: “One of these men was banned from Australia.”
Kyrgios added his own pointed remark: “Australian Gov – Keeping you safe.”

Kyrgios shares post on X. Image credit: @NickKyrgios

Why the Djokovic case resurfaced

Djokovic’s 2022 visa saga has remained a flashpoint in Australia’s COVID-era politics. As ABC has reported, the Serbian star was detained upon arrival in Melbourne after officials ruled he had not met vaccination or exemption requirements in place at the time.

Although a judge initially reinstated his visa, the government later exercised ministerial powers to cancel it again, arguing the decision was in the public interest. Djokovic was ultimately deported under “health and good order” provisions a move that sparked global debate over border policy and consistency.

Lasting impact on the world No. 1

Speaking earlier this year, Djokovic said the experience still affects him when re-entering the country.

“The last couple of times that I landed in Australia… I had a bit of trauma from three years ago,” he told reporters, adding that he often wonders whether immigration officers might detain him again.

For many observers, Kyrgios’ post tapped into lingering frustration over how the Djokovic case was handled and how it compares to the government’s broader security decisions a contrast that resurfaced sharply amid the shock of the Bondi tragedy.

Sources: Reuters, ABC