Nick Kyrgios has stated that he considers Novak Djokovic to be the GOAT, but that the Serb is sometimes disregarded despite his incredible achievements.
Djokovic has surpassed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam standings by winning a record 24th Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. Nadal currently has 22 Grand Slam trophies while Federer retired with 20. Djokovic also exceeded Serena Williams to take the lead for the Open Era’s most Major singles titles.
Kyrgios, on the other hand, has been absent from this season’s four Grand Slams because of many injuries. The Australian made an appearance on Mike Tyson’s podcast while taking an extended leave from the tour.
When speaking with Tyson, Kyrgios praised Djokovic as the greatest player in history, pointing to the Serb’s Grand Slam accomplishments and his ability to win more titles. The 28-year-old claimed that despite his consistent success and length on the circuit, the world No. 1 didn’t receive the recognition he deserved.
Kyrgios gave his remarks about Djokovic and said: “I think Novak Djokovic is the best ever. Like 24 Grand Slams and I think he’s got a couple more in him as well, it’s crazy. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves enough. He’s almost been on tour for like 20 years as well, like the longevity.”
Nick Kyrgios says Novak Djokovic is the greatest of all time, but Roger Federer was the hardest for him to play:
“I matched up really well against Nadal. I had the most success against him, but he’s still beaten me a lot of times. Federer could make you feel really sh*t. No… pic.twitter.com/nXlMrufyvs
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 5, 2023
Nick Kyrgios x Mike Tyson pic.twitter.com/DnwOBOQQf6
— Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson (@hotboxinpodcast) October 4, 2023
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWWWLWLWWW Ranked no.1, Novak played his last match on the 15th of September when he beat world no.25 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Until now, during this year the Serbian has managed to achieve a composed 46-5 win-loss record. The Serbian clinched 5 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. Djokovic got to the final in Wimbledon.
Nick Kyrgios in 2023
At the moment ranked no.470, the Australian played his last match on the 13th of June when he was defeated by world no.101 Yibing Wu 7-5 6-3 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
At the moment, during this season Nick has managed to achieve an overall 0-1 win-loss record.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios faced off 3 times. Their current record is 2-1 for Kyrgios. The last time they played, Novak Djokovic won 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) in the final in London (Wimbledon) in July 2022.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios |
| Embed from Getty Images |
