Nick Kyrgios explains the weaknesses of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Nick Kyrgios is his best coach - and has a good record against the big three of the tour. Now he has revealed their weaknesses.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 26, 2019, 08:47 pm
Roger Federer is incredibly talented and the greatest of all time, "but he gets tired in tight situations," the Australian told the Daily Mail . Djokovic has problems with short balls and doesn't like coming forward. "Besides, his second serve can get a little fickle."
And Nadal? "Loves to be on the defensive, so you can really pull on your forehand and take advantage of how far behind you are."
Kyrgios' conclusion: "They have weaknesses and if you play it properly and use it under pressure, you can beat them." Of course, the three are one level above the rest. "But I don't think they're gods of sport."
To a certain extent, Kyrgios knows what he's talking about: against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, he has a H2H record of 6: 6, against Djokovic even 2: 0.
Kyrgios: "Acapulco was crazy"
And he shows little respect on the court for the big names. "I just go out and do my thing," says udo-lindenbergized Kyrgios. "And that doesn't change whether I play against Alexander Bublik or Federer or Rafa."
Anyway, Kyrgios doesn't see why he should show the tennis stars more respect. "I don't respect someone just because they can hit a tennis ball over the net. That's not enough for me."
Of course the three are important for the tour, but on the court it's not about making friends. "I am therefore not sure why I should go out on the field and be so respectful to Rafa that he is ready to accept my serve," Kyrgios alluded to the Acapulco quarrel against Nadal .
Acapulco - where he won the title and fought three match balls against Nadal - was crazy anyway. "I have definitely lost a few years of my life this week." He drove jetskiing every day, had his best friend with him - "it was like a vacation week". Kyrgios: "Then it happens that I play so well."
Everything is too serious anyway, he thinks. Also the discussion about the surcharge from below. If he tried it, it would be disrespectful - others would say it was "technically brilliant". His conclusion: "Tennis takes itself too seriously. I don't set any goals there either."
Kyrgios hopes for buddy Murray
He is still in contact with Andy Murray, who knew Kyrgios well. Murray asked him in Brisbane if they would train together, but 9am was too early for Kyrgios. Now, however, he recently trained with Amanda Anisimova at 9 a.m. - and Murray sent him a message with a sad face.
"He is a great guy, I only wish him the best." He hoped Murray would come back whether he won another match. "I just want to have him on tour again and see him fight."