Nick Kyrgios on Djokovic: "He's embraced being the villain"

Wednesday, 03 July 2024 at 00:30

Nick Kyrgios discussed his previous comments about Novak Djokovic and his "sick obsession" with being popular among fans during an interview with Piers Morgan. Kyrgios referenced Djokovic’s career-long struggle to carve out his identity amidst the dominant rivalry of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, which often left Djokovic as an outsider.

The former Wimbledon runner-up mentioned that Djokovic enjoys being the 'antihero' and no longer cares about fans' opinions. Kyrgios, who had a tumultuous relationship with Djokovic initially, has grown closer to the 24-time Grand Slam champion over the past two years. He now frequently praises Djokovic.

Both Kyrgios and Djokovic share a similar dynamic with the public, being both loved and disliked by many. Kyrgios acknowledged that he has grown indifferent to fans' opinions and believes Djokovic has similarly embraced his role as a polarizing figure in tennis.

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"Now I feel like he’s listened to that and now he actually embraces being the villain. He’s a bit of an anti-hero in the tennis world. He’s got a lot of people who love him and also don’t like him and he’s embraced that."

Djokovic made a near-miraculous recovery from a knee injury sustained three weeks ago during the French Open, where he had to withdraw before the quarterfinals against Casper Ruud. The world No. 2 successfully debuted in the first round of Wimbledon, conceding only four games in his victory over Czech player Viktor Kopriva.

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"He's a bit of an anti-hero in the tennis world." Nick Kyrgios thinks Novak Djokovic's 'sick obsession' with being liked has changed - and that he now "embraces being the villain." 📺 youtu.be/3oxQv0skHc4 @NickKyrgios | @piersmorgan

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7:58 PM · Jul 1, 2024

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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