Kyrgios describes Federer as Michael Jordan of tennis - "He is the one who has changed the sport the most"

Nick Kyrgios has never held back when voicing his opinions, and the Australian made a bold proclamation when he branded Roger Federer as "the Michael Jordan of tennis" in a recent episode of his podcast.

Kyrgios has been out of action since the Laver Cup in September, as the 26-year old is currently dealing with a knee injury. However, the Canberra native appeared on a recent episode of the podcast No Boundaries, and gave his opinion the members of the Big 3, which include Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

"For me, Federer is the Michael Jordan of tennis,” said Kyrgios. “What he accomplished for the sport, with the fans, with the kids… Of the three, I think it is Federer that the kids admire the most. Overall, he is the one who has changed the sport the most.

“And it's his retirement that will hurt tennis the most. For sponsors, etc. Without Federer, there is no Djokovic or Nadal. They were chasing him."

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The World No.90 supported his statement by adding that several players on the ATP Tour have Federer over the years, which all points to just how influential the Swiss superstar has been on the game.

“The GOAT? Today I say Federer," added Kyrgios. "The most influential player to ever play is Federer. His game is copied. On the tour there are guys like [Grigor] Dimitrov who have literally copied his game. Dude, find your own style!

“No one really plays like Novak while people emulate Federer. Even I imitate his gesture in the serve sometimes. If Novak wins another Grand Slam, he will go ahead."