Nick Kyrgios Opens Up About Facing ‘Big 3’ Challenges and Speculates on Rafael Nadal’s Retirement
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has shed light on the difficulties he encounters when competing against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, collectively known as the ‘Big Three’. Having clinched victories against all three legends, Kyrgios shared his insights on their respective playing styles and the mental obstacles they present.
Despite his victories, Kyrgios illustrated the unique challenges that each member of the trio poses on the court. Rafa has that big game style and that physicality, Kyrgios explained, referring to Nadal’s left-handed playstyle. You know his patterns but you can’t do anything about it. Discussing Federer, Kyrgios praised the Swiss maestro’s ability to unsettle opponents, stating, Roger Federer could make you feel so bad on the court, shrinking the court, taking time away from you, you never feel settled. As for Djokovic, Kyrgios highlighted the grueling and lengthy exchanges players face when competing against the Serbian, defining him as a ping-pong machine.
With a career record of 1-6 against Federer and 3-6 against Nadal, Kyrgios admitted to losing a Grand Slam final against the best to ever do it. The 28-year-old humorously mused, I joked that if it had been anyone else that day, Nick Kyrgios would have been a Wimbledon champion.
Kyrgios also expressed his hope that Nadal, who recently withdrew from the Australian Open due to injury, will continue competing. Recognizing Nadal’s influence and entertainment value in the world of tennis, Kyrgios said, Honestly, I hope he stays and plays because we all know how much he means to the sport and how much he entertains when he plays, with his physicality. However, Kyrgios predictably predicted that the 2024 season would likely be Nadal’s last, with the Spaniard placing his focus on the French Open.
After a remarkable 2022 season, Kyrgios faced setbacks, including injuries that hampered his comeback efforts. The Australian underwent knee surgery in January 2023 and encountered further complications, including a wrist injury. As a result, Kyrgios has played only one competitive match in the past year, during the Stuttgart tournament in June.
Despite his absence from the court, Kyrgios has been actively involved in the tennis world, serving as a commentator for Eurosport and ESPN during the 2024 Australian Open. His analysis and candid remarks have garnered attention and provided spectators with unique insights from an active player’s perspective.
While acknowledging that facing the ‘Big Three’ is a formidable task, Kyrgios’ experiences and victories against Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have solidified his position as a respected competitor. As the Australian Open unfolds, fans eagerly await to see how the legendary trio’s careers unfold while appreciating the refreshing insights offered by Kyrgios into their playing styles and his own journey through the tennis world.
