Nick Kyrgios has outlined why he felt Daniil Medvedev had no future in the sport when the two were younger.
The Australian has been on commentary duties for Eurosport’s Australian Open coverage, enjoying a fine first week in punditry.
His tenure has been littered with hilarious moments, blending his carefree attitude with an analytical insight into life on tour.
But what was so bad about Medvedev that provoked this reaction? Let’s take a closer look…
What Nick Kyrgios said about Daniil Medvedev
Given the contrasting careers the two have enjoyed, to suggest that the Russian seemed the more unlikely success story now seems ludicrous.
But, that is what Kyrgios attested.
Suggesting one particular asset was left sorely lacking as a junior, the 28-year-old admitted he thought there was no future for the Russian.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist told Eurosport: ‘For me, a guy I thought was going to be horrific was Medvedev. I played against him in juniors in Roehampton and I won him by 6-3, 6-3. I was like the dominant junior and this boy was just terrible.
‘He had the worst technique I’ve ever seen in my life. I honestly said that this guy should just give it up, that there was no way he was going to make it work with those things. Then he becomes number one in the world and a Grand Slam champion.
‘It’s very funny, he was a nutter as well, like this just is crazy. Now you see Medvedev and he feels very comfortable playing on big courts, something I never saw when we were juniors.’
Daniil Medvedev has proven everyone wrong
Well, as Kyrgios said, it is fair to say that Medvedev has proven all his doubters wrong.
Boasting 20 ATP Tour singles titles, including the 2021 US Open, the hulking 27-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career laden with silverware.
And, perhaps the most difficult and impressive accomplishment, 2022 saw him become the first man outside the big four (Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Murray) to hold the world number one position since Andy Roddick in 2004.
A personable and sometimes polarising character, the 6 foot 6 goliath has come under equal parts criticism and acclaim throughout an impressive career.
Fans love to hate his tactical warfare, and he is more than happy to assume the role of the villain at times.
But, with the success earned throughout a supremely challenging era, few can argue with the results.
He certainly proved Kyrgios wrong, with his technique being some of the most flawless on tour nowadays
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