Tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios offered a witty response to suggestions that Novak Djokovic would lose sleep over Jannik Sinner’s victories at the Davis Cup. Serbia and Italy clashed in the prestigious team event’s semi-finals in Malaga, witnessing Djokovic and Sinner battling twice on the court.
Facing immense pressure, the 23-year-old Sinner managed to triumph over the World No. 1, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 and equalizing the tie. In the decisive doubles match alongside Lorenzo Sonego, Sinner’s stellar performance secured victory with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic.
Responding to a social media suggestion that Sinner might haunt Djokovic’s dreams after the results in Malaga, Kyrgios brushed it off, claiming Djokovic focuses on achievements and sleeps peacefully like a puppy. Despite Djokovic’s disappointment over Serbia’s loss, he congratulated Italy and acknowledged Sinner’s stellar play.
Acknowledging his responsibility for the loss, Djokovic expressed his regret, especially after coming close to victory. Although facing some exchanges with the crowd during the matches, Djokovic refused to attribute the loss to fatigue but admitted the bitter feeling of losing for his country.
Ultimately, Djokovic couldn’t counter Sinner’s powerful groundstrokes, which played a pivotal role in Italy’s first Davis Cup win in 25 years. Sinner, reflecting on the victory, emphasized the team’s collective effort and dedication, highlighting the significance of playing for the team rather than oneself.
Italy’s triumph over Australia in the final marked a special achievement for Sinner and his team, showcasing their unity and determination throughout the tournament.
Novak Djokovic in 2023
At the moment ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 25th of November when he was overcome by world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 2-6 7-5 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
At the moment, during this season Djokovic has managed to achieve an overall 56-7 win-loss record. The Serbian conquered 7 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Novak was the finalist in Wimbledon.
Nick Kyrgios in 2023
Ranked world no.470, the Australian played his last match on the 13th of June when he capitulated to world no.119 Yibing Wu 7-5 6-3 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
This season the Australian has an overall 0-1 record.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios played each other 3 times. Their head to head is 2-1 for Kyrgios. The last time they squared off, Novak Djokovic won 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) in the final in London (Wimbledon) in July 2022.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios |
Embed from Getty Images |