"Nick obviously serves a lot better than Novak" - Kokkinakis on the differences between Kyrgios and Djokovic

Thanasi Kokkinakis has said that Nick Kyrgios has a better serve than Novak Djokovic, after losing to his compatriot in the US Open first round on Monday night.

Kokkinakis, playing for the fourth time at Flushing Meadows, lost in straight sets to Kyrgios in the pair's first singles meeting on tour. The duo have had great success in the doubles arena this year, winning the Australian Open and Atlanta Open, and reaching the Miami semifinals. Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are set to compete in doubles at Flushing Meadows this week.

Kokkinakis, who lost to eventual winner Djokovic at Wimbledon in the second round this year, said in his press conference that Kyrgios has a better serve than the Serb. However, he had no qualms admitting that the 21-time Major returns better than any other player.

"They're just different. Nick obviously serves a lot better than Novak," said the 2022 Australian Open doubles champion. "Novak returns the best in the business, maybe the best ever. A different sort of game style."

As for his compatriot, Kokkinakis added that Kyrgios is playing with new-found freedom and can put a lot of pressure on opponents with his serve and groundstrokes.

"Nick is probably playing with the most freedom I've ever seen from the back of the court," said Kokkinakis. "It puts a lot of pressure on your serve and groundies. If you don't serve as well as you need to, he's going to play."

Kyrgios will next play Benjamin Bonzi on Wednesday for a place in the second round.