'Novak the GOAT, but Roger Federer the Michael Jordan' - Nick Kyrgios on 'most complete' Djokovic

ByRob Hemingway

Published 19/01/2024 at 10:39 GMT

"I'm not built like that," said Nick Kyrgios, as he evaluated the considerable longevity of Novak Djokovic during the Serbian's third-round encounter with Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the 2024 Australian Open. Kyrgios mentioned Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka in the same breath, with the three-time major winners both still on tour in their late thirties.

Novak Djokovic is "definitely the greatest of all time", says Nick Kyrgios, as the Australian reflected on the respective merits of the Serbian and fellow 'Big Three' legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic , with a place in the second week of the Australian Open up for grabs, as 24-time major winner eyes a remarkable 11th title in Melbourne.

Kyrgios, on co-commentary for Eurosport during Djokovic's match, was asked whether he considers the 36-year-old as the "most complete" of the three players.

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And his response was emphatic.

"Without a doubt," the 2022 Wimbledon finalist said.

"I think the forehand is so solid, he could hit every shot off his backhand, arguably the best backhand ever to take the court.

"Serve is solid, best returner of all time. You know, net game - he hasn’t always been unbelievable but has been good enough, one of the best movers to ever play.

"I mean the greatest of all time is definitely Novak, but that doesn’t mean - if I said who would I want to go out there and want to watch, Roger Federer is the nicest to watch. He’s the most talented, makes the game look effortless, like the Michael Jordan of tennis.

"Without Roger, would there have been a Novak, a Nadal, someone to chase? But statistics, it’s hard to have a conversation any more.

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"He’s the most complete player, on all surfaces as well, because Nadal is dominant on one surface whereas Novak has had that pretty much everywhere.

"Just the ability to redirect I think is so underrated. That’s one thing I felt playing him, he could just change direction on anything I hit and when you put it to him it’s high percentage, it’s crazy."

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The 'Big Three' were challenged at times by the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka during their pomp, with both players - who have three majors each - still on tour as they bid to rediscover their past form.

"I think he [Djokovic] wants to have absolutely every accolade when he finishes," Kyrgios continued.

"But I think he enjoys just becoming a better version of himself as well. That’s the crazy thing about tennis, every time you step out onto the court, you are looking to improve something and I think he just likes that, he enjoys the process.

"I’m not like that, I’m not built like that, I’m not the athlete he is and that’s why we admire them so much and that’s why I have so much respect for the 'Big Three' and Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka who are still out there competing, trying to figure it out and get better. It’s inspiring."

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