Nick Kygrios has been delighting fans already with his presence on Australian Open commentary.
Having been ruled out of this first grand slam of the season, as he continues to battle his injury struggles, he has decided to use his time out of the game to trade the racquet for the microphone.
Today saw him focusing on Novak Djokovic’s opening fixture, who laboured through a tough match against an inspired Dino Prizmic.
Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Eurosport coverage, one statistic emerged that was put to the controversial 28-year-old.
We take a closer look at his reaction, as he marvelled at the man who defeated him in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
What Nick Kygrios had to say about Novak Djokovic
Having already been showered in praise from Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier in the week, the Serbian superstar is no stranger to compliments.
After all, his record speaks for itself, as he bids to add yet another grand slam to his 24-strong collection.
Having been shockingly broken by his teenage opponent in just the second set, the main commentator remarked on the break-back percentage boasted by the world number one: ‘I feel like it’s around the 40 per cent mark over his career.’
Well, that left Kygrios stunned, who could only note: ‘That’s absurd! I feel like you’re just making that up now!’
Novak Djokovic has his eyes set on another Australian Open
2023 was yet another ground-breaking year for the Serbian, who added three more majors to his resume before then claiming victory in the ATP Finals too.
However, that now-infamous loss to Carlos Alcaraz on centre court will have left him frustrated, given just how close he was to completing an unprecedented season which would have seen him secure all four grand slams.
Age seems to be no factor, and today’s win is just the start of what is certain to be another long year laden with many more victories.
Winning the first slam of the season is a strong statement of that intent.
Of the four elite tournaments, Djokovic has enjoyed the bulk of his success in Melbourne, so will be quietly confident of maintaining his record and securing an 11th title.
However, if today was anything to go by, it will not be easy.
The target on his back increases the pressure, and whilst it often leaves him unaffected, it can galvanise his opponent.
Prizmic, who started the day as the world number 178, certainly unsettled the toughest opponent in the world with his work rate and shot making.
The 18-year-old will be hoping to build on a career-kickstarting display and enjoy a year of his own progression, potentially seeking to break into that top 100.
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