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Nick Kyrgios says what Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal used to do to people before they stepped on court but couldn’t to him

Nick Kyrgios is finally back on a tennis court, with the Australian having just taken part in the World Tennis League.

Kyrgios played doubles with Casper Ruud at the team event in Abu Dhabi, but their Kites side failed to reach the final two.

The former will have used the competition as preparation for the 2025 Australian Open, having last played on the ATP Tour in Stuttgart in the summer of 2023.

Kyrgios will play at the Brisbane International as further preparation, where he will partner 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Having overcome his rivalry with the Serbian, the Australian has entered into a relatively new tussle with Jannik Sinner.

Nick Kyrgios says what Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal used to do before stepping on court

Kyrgios wants to create a ‘riot’ against Sinner if the pair were to meet at the Australian Open, with that claim not pleasing five-time Grand Slam doubles champion Nicolas Mahut.

Mahut labelled Kyrgios’s Sinner comments “unnecessary”, with the latter now sharing his response to the Frenchman.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

“I don’t know if there’s a back-and-forth,” Kyrgios told Telecom Asia Sport. “Nicolas Mahut, on a global level, hasn’t made inroads like I have, so I’ll let that be. And I don’t think the world necessarily cares too much about what Nicolas Mahut has to say.

“I wasn’t retiring. Trust me, I was two sets away from winning a Grand Slam. I didn’t retire; I was forced to stop playing for a while.

“It was very, very hard because I was playing the best tennis of my life. It’s been about 16 months since my surgery, and I’ve done everything the right way – no shortcuts, just rehab and hard work.

“I’ve put myself in the best position I can, and now I’ll let my tennis do the talking. I have people like Mahut telling me to be realistic.

“He was an amazing doubles player, a Grand Slam champion, no doubt, but he didn’t have the singles career I’ve had.

“That’s probably why he has his opinion. But on the singles court, he never had the belief I have, so that opinion means nothing to me.

“I’ve achieved way more things playing singles than Mahut could have in his entire career. That belief is what separates players.

“[Roger] Federer, [Rafael] Nadal, [Novak] Djokovic – they were the greatest because people were defeated before they even stepped on the court with them. I don’t want to be that player. I’ll always back my ability and my belief.”

Nick Kyrgios names two best players in the world right now

Kyrgios will likely have to face the very best the ATP Tour has to offer if he wants to enjoy a lengthy stay in Melbourne, which certainly won’t be easy.

It remains to be seen what level he can operate at after his injury problems, while many star names will be out to start 2025 on a major high.

Among them are world numbers one and three Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz respectively, who shared the Grand Slam titles between them in 2024.

And it is that duo who have caught the eye of Kyrgios, who added: “There’s no doubt that Sinner, Alcaraz – these guys are the best in the world right now, hands down.

“But that doesn’t mean I won’t believe in myself. I’ll always back myself and do everything I can to compete.”

Novak Djokovic made offer to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as future link-up mooted

Novak Djokovic is the last man standing from the Big Four era. Roger Federer retired in 2022 before Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal joined him this year.

The current world No. 7 has already reached out to one of his old rivals, hiring Murray as his coach for the off-season and Australian Open.

But he also previously made a different offer to Federer and Nadal, as he hopes to strengthen their relationship in retirement.

Djokovic somewhat gatecrashed the Federer and Nadal party. The Serb broke through later than his two competitors, winning his first Grand Slam title in 2008 and reaching world No. 1 for the first time in 2011.

But he came from behind to surpass both in the record books and now holds 24 Major trophies and the most all-time weeks at the top of the rankings with 428. Their intense rivalry meant, as Djokovic previously confessed, the trio weren’t “friends”.

The 37-year-old wants to change that as he previously extended an offer to the two multi-Grand Slam champions, sharing his hopes that they can all “sit down and reflect” on their careers together when they have all retired.

During an appearance on 60 Minutes at the end of last year, the Olympic champion was asked whether he could have a friendly future. “I would like to,” he replied.

“I would really like to. Personally, I would like to. I mean, I know that obviously we didn’t get along so well throughout our careers in, like, off court.

“And we are not friends because, you know, we’re rivals and it’s difficult as competitors to be very close and kind of share and give insights to you know, to your life or to how you feel because, you know, it could be used against you.”

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

While it has been difficult to open up to his biggest rivals, the world No. 7 is hopeful that they can spend more time together when all is said and done. He continued: “But we have shared the stage for so many years.

“And I think the greatest respect is always there, at least from my side, towards them. So yeah, I hope that one day, when the curtains are slightly more closed, that we are, yeah, able to sit down and, and reflect. It would be amazing.”

Djokovic has already been able to share some closer moments with Federer and Nadal this year. He caught up with the Swiss star when Federer came to watch him compete in the Shanghai Masters final.

The Serb also ran into Nadal on their flight to Indian Wells back in February. They spent time together in Riyadh during the Six Kings Slam exhibition in October, enjoying activities with their younger rivals, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic has also turned to another old foe, hiring Murray as his new coach. After explaining how difficult it would be to share insight with his competitors, the two 37-year-olds will be in the same corner talking tactics.

“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” Djokovic said, announcing the news.

“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”

Casper Ruud has admitted he does not understand how the domination and longevity of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is possible. 

The three-time Grand Slam finalist also conveyed particular disbelief at the way Nadal “never let the emotions get to him for like 20 years.”

Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have won an astonishing 66 Grand Slam titles between them, having secured 24, 22 and 20 respectively. The trio make up the top three for the most men’s majors won in the history of tennis.

From Federer’s first Grand Slam triumph at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships to Djokovic’s most recent at the 2023 US Open, the Big Three won all but 15 of the 81 majors held.

Federer called time on his career in 2022, while Nadal is set to retire following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, leaving Djokovic as the only remaining Big Three member.

Speaking on an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Ruud expressed the awe with which he regards Nadal, Djokovic and Federer.

“Rafa’s always like — doesn’t swear on court,” the world No 7 said. “He never threw a racket. He never let the emotions get to him for like 20 years which for me is just like… how is it possible?

“I’ve understood how crazy it is from Rafa, Roger, and Novak, that they performed every single year for like 17, 18 years. They’ve been so good.

Rafael Nadal

“How have they been able to keep the motivation up? How they’ve been able to be strict with themselves? How have they been able to win like 70 matches every year? Year in, year out.

“I just don’t understand how it’s possible. It’s one thing to do it three, four, or five years. But for them it’s been almost 20 years of pure domination.”

Ruud lost his only career meeting with Federer, while he holds an 0-2 record against Nadal and a 1-5 record against Djokovic — who he defeated in the pair’s most recent encounter at this year’s Monte Carlo Masters.

Two of the 25-year-old Norwegian’s three losses in Grand Slam championship matches came to Nadal and Djokovic at the French Open in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Ruud will face Jordan Thompson in his opening match at the Paris Masters this week.

The final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the 2024 season is currently underway in Paris! Two in-form young guns, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have already tightened up their seatbelts for yet another scintillating show. But what about Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic? Well, Paris has been a happy hunting ground for Nadal, but his most remarkable performances have come on the clay courts. Whereas the 37-year-old, who is the defending champion, holds the record for most Masters titles (40) in Paris. But both these high-profile players have chosen to not participate in the tournament. Reason?

Novak Djokovic is the most high-profile player to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Masters. He has won this tournament seven times in his career and this is the first time he’ll miss this event since 2020. In a social media post dated October 23, Novak Djokovic said, “Unfortunately, I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year. I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there,” without specifying a reason for his absence. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will lead the field at this year’s tournament in Djokovic’s absence.

Djokovic is still in the race to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin next month. He’s currently placed at the sixth spot in the Live ATP Race rankings. As things stand, Djokovic could also opt to call it quits for 2024 and look forward to winning his 25th Grand Slam title in at the AO next year. For the first time since 2017, the Serb will end the season without a Grand Slam title. However, he did have some fond memories of Paris at the Olympics this year! Is it really the end of Djokovic’s season?According to John McEnroe, “I can see him (Novak) going either way. He has an unreal record in that event [ATP Finals]. My gut is he does not play rest of year.”

On the other hand, Recently, Cedric Pioline, director of the Paris Masters, contacted Rafa to offer a wildcard, but he revealed that Nadal is currently focusing on his farewell at the Davis Cup. This will be his third absence from a major tournament this year, following the French Open and the Olympics. Well, Rafael Nadal has already announced his retirement and stated that the Davis Cup in November will be the last tournament in his illustrious career. According to Cedric Pioline,

I asked if there was any interest, but the answer was very clear: he has decided to play the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga as his last event and he will not play an official tournament until then.” Nadal has played in this tournament nine times in his career, but has managed to progress beyond the quarter-finals just once! Moreover, he missed the Paris Masters for 11 out of 20 times, and in his nine appearances.

Talking about events, if we take a look at the upcoming events, Novak Djokovic has already given a hint about his next goal. Is he hungry to bring home his 25th major title? “I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis, play tennis. Those are some of the reasons why I still keep on going,” said Djokovic. So, Djokovic is not stopping any sooner, but what’s his next mission?

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
2K31J4K London, UK. 24th Sep, 2022. 23rd September 2022; O2, London England: Laver Cup international tennis tournament: Novak Djokovic of Team Europe speaks with Rafael Nadal and Rodger Federer during the break in their doubles match against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News

Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport. They are ‘the’ most important historical tennis events that we have. So if you don’t get pumped and inspired to play your best tennis at Grand Slams, it’s hard to do that anywhere else,” he added. Perhaps this is the answer to all our queries on Djokovic’s upcoming goals! What about Rafael Nadal? What is the 38-year-old Spanish star expecting from his farewell tournament in Malaga?

“I don’t believe in fairy tale endings” – Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal’s 23-year-long career was not just about tennis! It showed us how resilience can overcome all the hurdles in our lives. It inspired several youngsters to take up this racquet sport seriously and build a career in tennis. The moment he steps onto the court in Malaga to take part in the Davis Cup, he’ll perhaps be getting a flashback of each of his memories right from becoming a pro player in 2001 to hanging up his racquet at this iconic team event. What a moment it’d be for him and his family! Reflecting on his expectations from the Davis Cup during an interview with AS, Rafael Nadal said,

For a while now, I haven’t expected much from my final matches because you start to understand how difficult everything becomes. I don’t believe in fairy tale endings. Almost no one gets them, because in sports, it’s hard to finish on top unless you’re completely healthy and can win but just don’t enjoy it anymore.” With Roger Federer already hanging up his racquet in 2022, Nadal also announcing his departure at the end of this season, can Novak Djokovic carry forward the legacy of the ‘Big Three’ for a few more seasons? According to Rafa,

As for Djokovic, I’m not sure. It’s human nature that, even if Novak stays healthy, he’s getting older, and at some point, the clock catches up with everyone. At some point, I think Novak will also experience a dip in motivation and step aside. It happens to everyone. Novak is good enough that if he stays healthy, he can still compete at the highest level and aim for the biggest titles. If he keeps enjoying it, he’ll keep going.” Do you think Novak Djokovic will make a strong comeback by winning a major title in the 2025 season?

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in their final meeting at the Six Kings Slam.

A long and historic rivalry that spanned almost two decades reached its conclusion on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the Third Place Match at the Six Kings Slam: 6-2, 7-6.

Djokovic looked sharp in the first set, while Nadal was struggling to land some of his most powerful shots. The second set was far more competitive, with Nadal pushing it to a tiebreak. For a brief moment, it felt like the good old days of the rivalry.

Eventually, the 22-time Grand Slam champion netted his return to end the match. Despite coming up short, Nadal gave fans plenty to cheer about with some of his patented moves and fiery celebrations electrifying the capacity crowd.

After the match, Djokovic said, “The rivalry has been incredible. It’s been very intense. I hope we will have a chance to sit on the beach somewhere and have a drink reflecting on life and talking about something else.”

Djokovic lavished Nadal with praise for his historic career before ending his remarks with one final request, “Don’t leave tennis, man. Stay a little more. Stay with us.”

Nadal was honored with a video tribute and a golden racquet before he addressed the fans. After thanking the crowd and tournament organizers, Nadal turned his focus to Djokovic. “I want to say a few words for Novak and his team. Thank you. For everything. What you said today and all the moments we shared on court.”

Nadal continued, “It’s been an amazing rivalry. In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

When asked what he would miss most, Nadal said, “I’m going to miss almost everything. It’s been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years. Having the chance to play in the best places in the world. It’s something I watched on tv as a kid. At the end I realized my dream to become a pro tennis player and be a successful one.”

Rafael Nadal

After reiterating his gratitude, Nadal provided a optimistic message for the future of the sport, “We have a great tour and a lot of great people running the sport. I feel very fortunate. I want to thank everyone.”

Of course, the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition tournament and does not count in the ATP record books. But it did provide tennis fans with one final glimpse of a rivalry they may never see again.

Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other 60 times, with Djokovic winning 31 of the matches (not counting today). The two contemporaries had met in all four Grand Slam finals, with Nadal holding a narrow 5-4 lead in major finals.

Before today, the last time they met, Djokovic defeated Nadal in the 2024 Paris Olympics on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Today’s friendly match was more ceremonial than competitive, but it was a fitting end to the “Big Three” era.

Nadal’s career is not quite over, as he plans to retire after the Davis Cup. Meanwhile, Djokovic continues to focus on Grand Slams and ignore the ATP rankings at this point in his career.

Immediately following today’s thrilling conclusion of the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry is a battle between the future faces of the sport. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz face off in the finals of the Six Kings Slam.

Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated’s Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Two of the “Big Three” will be retired from tennis after the Spaniard steps away next month.

As Rafael Nadal prepares to retire from professional tennis next month, the Spaniard has been asked many times to reflect on the rivalries he’s shared with the other two members of the “Big Three”—Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

In a recent interview with DAZN Sport, the 22-time major champion was asked to push the conversation further and compare the rivalries between him, Federer and Djokovic to the new rivalries being made between young players in tennis—like the battles between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Jannik Sinner of Italy.

Nadal admitted a rivalry may be blooming between the World No. 1 and 2, but he doesn’t want to compare his rivalries to theirs quite yet. He thinks the 21-year-old and 23-year-old should have a chance to prove themselves throughout their careers, and then the tennis world can declare comparisons between the eras of rivalries.

Rafael Nadal

“We need to wait, but of course. This year already two grand slams for each. Number one and number two in the world. They’re creating their own story,” Nadal said of Sinner and Alcaraz. “I think it’s not a moment to compare eras. Because Novak is still there. Roger and myself left… but that’s part of the sports career of everyone. Now it’s a new generation coming. We need to let them create their own rivalries and their own story. They don’t need the comparisons with us. Let’s see at the end of their careers, then will be the moment to compare what they did and what we did.”

Nadal’s been a big influence on fellow Spaniard Alcaraz’s career in particular. The duo even competed in doubles during this year’s Paris Olympics. Alcaraz appeared pretty emotional after the announcement on Nadal’s retirement, too.

But, like Nadal said, Alcaraz has been making his own history on the tennis court. At this year’s French Open, he became the youngest male player to reach a major final on all three surfaces. He won both the French Open and Wimbledon this year to total four career majors so far.

Sinner captured the other two major titles of the year at the Australian Open and U.S. Open.

Novak Djokovic (37) implored longtime rival Rafael Nadal (38) to put off his planned retirement after defeating the Spaniard on Saturday in what was likely to be the final chapter of their storied rivalry.

“Don’t leave tennis, man,” an emotional Djokovic said in an on-court interview after beating Nadal in straight sets 6-2, 7-6(5) at the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

It’s been an incredible honour and an incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s been quite an emotional moment today, we’ve been playing a lot of games over so many years.”

The rivalry has been incredible and very intense, so I hope that we’ll have a chance to maybe sit in the beach somewhere have a little drink, reflecting on life, talking about something else.

Thank you for what you have done, you leave an incredible legacy and we really appreciate it.”

Nadal announced on October 10th that he would retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

Organisers of the Saudi event billed Saturday’s match as perhaps Nadal’s last singles contest as a professional.

Nadal said Thursday he was unsure whether he would be fit enough to play singles in Malaga.

Djokovic and Nadal – two of the sport’s famed “Big Three” along with Roger Federer – had faced each other 60 times on the main tour prior to Saturday’s exhibition match, with Djokovic holding a narrow 31-29 edge.

Their last encounter came during the Paris Olympics on the same Roland Garros courts where Nadal won 14 French Open titles, though Djokovic triumphed easily 6-1, 6-4.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Thank you Novak for everything for all the moments we shared on court during our careers. It’s been an amazing rivalry,” said Nadal, whose men’s record of winning 22 Grand Slam titles was broken by Djokovic.

In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future,” he added

After losing to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets during his first match at the Saudi exhibition on Thursday, Nadal acknowledged his fitness level was well off the tour’s top players.

French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz was set to take on Australian Open and US Open winner Jannik Sinner in the “Six Kings Slam” final later Saturday.

Saudi Arabia’s push into tennis took off last year with its first ATP Tour event – the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah – and exhibition matches pitting Djokovic against Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka against Ons Jabeur.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced in April that Riyadh would host the next three editions of the Tour Finals featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams.

The 2024 edition will be staged from November 2nd to 9th.