Nick Kyrgios best bits: 'Nit-picking' Novak Djokovic weaknesses, Emma Raducanu 'inspiration', and Roger Federer
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ByOli Gent
Updated 17/01/2024 at 15:49 GMT
Nick Kyrgios is back on commentary duty for Eurosport, and he was in top form once more behind the microphone as he called Novak Djokovic's second-round victory over Alexei Popyrin. The Australian revealed his gameplan on beating the Serbian world No. 1, taking "inspiration" from the returning Emma Raducanu, and Roger Federer making him feel "small" on the court.
'Everyone stop what you are doing!' - Kyrgios agog as Djokovic hits incredible winner
Nick Kyrgios is always great entertainment whether he’s on the tennis court, or whether he has a microphone in front of him.
The Australian was on commentary duty for Eurosport for Novak Djokovic’s second round tie with Alexei Popyrin at the Australian Open, and Kyrgios, who lost to the Serbian in the 2022 Wimbledon final, was on top form once more alongside Chris Bradnam.
He discussed his own gameplan for beating Djokovic, which he has done twice, how Roger Federer can make you feel “small” on court, and how he has been "inspired" by Emma Raducanu's return from injury.
‘A tactic I used against Djokovic at Indian Wells’
At 2-2 in the first set between Djokovic and Popyrin, Bradnam noted that Popyrin was targeting the Djokovic forehand.
“I’ll never forget the match where Gilles Simon took on Djokovic on this court, and slow-balled him to the forehand. Over 100 unforced errors from Novak that night. He still won the match,” Bradnam said.
Kyrgios had noticed as well, and a thought popped into his mind, as if he had seen that strategy before.
“That was definitely a tactic that I used [against Djokovic] at Indian Wells [in 2017],” Kyrgios replied.
“I was almost putting balls slowly to the forehand, mixing it up with the slice, trying to get him to generate the pace.
"I don’t think that’s as much of the weakness anymore in his game than it once was, but again, we’re nit-picking again here for weaknesses.”
‘The guy is always evolving. Scary’
Kyrgios was quick to remark that despite Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam crowns, and now being 36, the Serbian was still improving his game, including altering his approach to counteract the younger opponents he faces.
“That right there is one of the biggest improvements in Novak Djokovic’s game; the ability to realise what the returner is doing on his second serve,” Kyrgios said after Djokovic won a point at 3-3 in the first set.
“He’s been able to mix that up so well in the later parts of his career.
"He saw Alexei move forward, and he mixed it up with the slider wide and got the error. He’s always evolving, this guy. Scary. It’s just that variation on the second serve; it was once a hole, and now it’s a strength.”
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'Everyone stop what you are doing!' - Kyrgios agog as Djokovic hits incredible winner
‘I’m starting to find inspiration from players like Raducanu’
Kyrgios also voiced his thoughts on the British cohort at the Australian Open, with Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, and Emma Raducanu all playing on the 1573 show court at Melbourne Park on day five.
“What [Raducanu] has gone through in the last year and a half with injury,” Kyrgios said during the fourth set.
“I’m starting to find some inspiration from players like that who are able to come back and have success. It’s good to see her enjoying herself on court again.
“Norrie has solidified himself as one of the best players in the world, continually wins a lot of matches.
“Boulter and [Jack] Draper are [also] exciting young prospects, and it’s good to see young guns finding their ways and winning a lot of matches and doing it their way. It’s a good time for the tennis world.”
‘I’m enjoying this, actually!’
While watching Djokovic v Popyrin, Kyrgios found himself offering some advice to his fellow Australian at one point.
“There were plenty of balls in that rally where he could have run around to that forehand,” Kyrgios said.
“Obviously it’s easier said than done. It’s a lot easier sitting up here watching it and telling people what to do. I’m enjoying this, actually!”
“Commentary boxes are unbeaten around the world, you know that?” Bradnam responded.
“I’m undefeated!” Kyrgios remarked. “Undefeated in here.”
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'Settle down!' - Kyrgios reacts to Popyrin's 'amazing' point against Djokovic
‘Federer makes you feel small’
With Popyrin still struggling - at least momentarily - in the second set, Bradnam said: “Djokovic must make the court feel so small.”
To which Kyrgios replied, “Yeah, not as small as Federer made you feel, but Novak can, definitely.”
'You've just asked Nick Kyrgios whether he uses visualisation'
In the third set, Bradnam asked the Australian, who has won seven titles, whether he had ever used “visualisation”.
“You’ve just asked Nick Kyrgios whether he uses visualisation techniques,” Kyrgios replied with a chuckle.
“No, mate. I wanted to win or lose, and then go to the pub. Visualisation…”
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