Nick Kyrgios gives his honest opinion on Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic’s growing rivalry

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Nick Kyrgios has continued his enjoyable spell on commentary duties for the Australian Open’s coverage.

The Australian was speaking on Eurosport in the run-up to Ben Shelton’s clash earlier today with Chris O’Connell, which he won with ease 4-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-7 (7).

Chatting about the American’s ongoing rivalry with Novak Djokovic, the 28-year-old commented on their US Open celebration beef despite it being some four months ago.

But, what did the entertaining Aussie have to say about the exchange between the pair? We take a closer look…

What Nick Kyrgios said about Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic

Never one to shy away from controversy, Kyrgios has been embroiled in his fair share of on-court spats.

So, he is arguably best placed to comment, as the master of the dark arts in tennis who has already praised Djokovic this tournament.

Having already showcased his analytical side, criticising one Carlos Alcaraz flaw yesterday, he would turn towards humour when asked on the phone call celebration which went viral.

He told Eurosport: ‘I love it. Ben is one of the more exciting personalities we have in the sport and he is going to take the game a long way.

‘A big American server who has a lot of personality and that celebration was cold, I’m not going to lie! That one against Tiafoe. Then my boy Djokovic took it a step further and did it to the guy who did it first. I loved it.

‘I have watched the videos so many times, I think it’s hilarious. If it gets eyes on the sport and it’s not too crazy then I’m all for it.’

Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic could meet again…

Well, this could be a rivalry renewed in the fourth round, should the two continue winning in the way they already have at this Australian Open.

And whilst Shelton did trouble the Serbian back at his home grand slam, the world number one seemed inevitable on the day.

However, first against Dino Prizmic, and now Alexei Popyrin, it seems some of Djokovic’s minor weaknesses are being exploited despite his tendency to still come out on top.

Those newfound fragilities, combined with a more mature and well-rounded Shelton, could make for a truly all-encompassing fourth-round encounter where the 36-year-old might see his title defence cut brutally short.

Whilst their meeting is far from a foregone conclusion, with some admirable opponents standing in both of their ways. It is one that the fans will hope occurs just to see who can put the phone down on the other this time.