Nick Kyrgios is soon expected back on court after close to two years out with injury.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has expressed his determination to claim his first Grand Slam title after he returns in January next year at the Brisbane Open.
Having played just one ATP Tour singles match in two years, the 29-year-old has endured a string of setbacks, including injuries to his knee, foot, and wrist.
In his time away from the court, Nick Kyrgios hasn’t strayed all the far, taking up a role in the commentary booth at the Australian and US Open, as well as Wimbledon this year.
Having been defeated by Novak Djokovic the only time he’s appeared in a major final, the pair have formed an off-court friendship, even practising together at Wimbledon this year.
Nonetheless, Kyrgios, despite being a relative newbie to the punditry panel, explained why gets so ‘frustrated’ when he is forced to commentate on one of the Serb’s matches.
Nick Kyrgios ‘hates’ commentating on Novak Djokovic’s matches
Kyrgios, never one to shy away from voicing his opinions, has frequently entertained with his colorful and insider commentary on the quirks of his fellow players.
Among those quirks, Kyrgios has explained how Djokovic’s approach to early-round matches in Grand Slams has often caught his attention – for all the wrong reasons!
Known for his ability to elevate his game at crucial moments, Djokovic’s tendency to “drag out” matches is something Kyrgios finds particularly exasperating.
Reflecting on his experience of watching the Serbian in action, Kyrgios doesn’t hold back: “I have done a lot of Novak matches and he frustrates the hell out of me.
“I hate doing his matches early on in slams because he just plays around with his food for like four hours and I’m like I could have been in my hotel and hour an a half ago!”
Kyrgios explained: “He will be up two sets to love and lose the third and start complaining and go to his box and then it’ll be 7-6 in the fourth. And then I will see him and be like ‘dude, do you just enjoy keeping me around?’
“He knows I am in there!” Kyrgios said. “And then he starts losing focus. He frustrates the hell out of me. I hate doing Novak’s matches.”
Nick Kyrgios still has a positive record against Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios remains one of the few players to hold a positive head-to-head record against Djokovic, with a 2-1 lead in their encounters.
Both of Kyrgios’ victories came in straight sets, first in Acapulco and then at Indian Wells in 2017, showcasing his ability to unsettle the Serbian star.
Djokovic, however, claimed the most significant win in their rivalry, defeating Kyrgios in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
In true Djokovic fashion, he dropped the first set before roaring back to win the next three.
Perhaps Kyrgios is right – the Serb likes making matches more dramatic!
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