“He enjoys being the villain": Nick Kyrgios reflects on Novak Djokovic’s place in the Big-3

Nick Kyrgios spoke about Novak Djokovic's role within the Big Three and how he has come to accept "his own skin" within the rivalry. Recently, Nole stated in an interview that he's "never been as admired and loved as Federer and Nadal."

Djokovic has repeatedly found support from his colleague Nick Kyrgios over the past few years, with whom he has forged a strong relationship, especially since the Australian was one of the few who spoke in favor of Djokovic when he refused vaccines, which led to his deportation from Australia back in 2022.

Kyrgios was asked for his opinion on Djokovic's statements about the Big Three. "He’s way more comfortable in his own skin now. I think he did want the crowd to love him, but he enjoys being the villain. He finds energy when people heckle him," the 2022 Wimbledon finalist said. "He’s the greatest tennis player of all time so he wouldn’t care as much what people think now."

"We have respect for each other and we are proof that different personalities can make it to the top and you don’t have to have everyone liking you."

The Australian also recalled his defeat in the Wimbledon final, precisely against Djokovic, which remains his only Grand Slam final appearance. "It was only a couple of points here and there where, if I’d acted a bit differently, I would have had a Wimbledon title," Kyrgios mentioned. "But there’s no shame in losing to the greatest of all time."

"Do I think about it often? Yes. Do I think about what I could have changed? Yes. Could I have prepared better? No. I prepared amazingly."