Nick Kyrgios has lauded Novak Djokovic as "the best ever" in the sport and has said that he believes the World No. 1 doesn't get enough credit from tennis fans.
Kyrgios has been absent from the ATP Tour for most of this season, missing all four Grand Slams due to injury. However, despite having not yet given a date for his return, the 28-year-old has been keeping an eye on developments in the sport.
This includes watching Djokovic win the Australian Open and Roland Garros before equaling Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles at the US Open in what was another dominant season for the 36-year-old.
In a recent episode of the Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson podcast, Kyrgios praised the Big Three member, highlighting the longevity of his career and saying that he doesn't think Djokovic gets enough credit for his achievements.
"I think he [Novak Djokovic] is the best ever. Like [24] Grand Slams and I think he’s got a couple more in him as well, it’s crazy. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves enough. He’s almost been on tour for like 20 years as well, like the longevity," he said.
The extent of Djokovic's longevity was then stressed by Tyson's co-host and NFL star, Sebastian Joseph-Day, who pointed out that tennis players don't get an off-season.
"I think the most important thing to talk about is his health because, like you said, you guys don’t have an off-season. That’s insane," he said.
Kyrgios then talked about the importance of a player's team, especially their physiotherapist, traveling with them to help with long matches and any injuries that they pick up on the Tour.
"That’s why the team, having a physio travel with you, making sure you’re getting some gym work in. Like, it’s hard because some days, like a tennis match can go for five hours. I’ve played matches that are almost five hours," he said.
The Australian player's respect for Djokovic seems to have emerged in recent years as in the past he has called the Serbian player "cringe-worthy" and said that former World No. 1 Andy Murray was "so much better than him."
Nick Kyrgios on Novak Djokovic: “Novak Djokovic is the best ever, I don't think he gets the credit he deserves” Source: Mike Tyson Podcast 🗣️ Seems Nick has gained a lot of respect for Novak the last couple of years, these were quotes from 2019: - “He has a sick obsession…
