“Roger Federer is like Michael Jordan of tennis” says Nick Kyrgios admiring the Swiss Maestro

World No. 90 Nick Kyrgios is one of the most interesting characters in the tennis fraternity. The Australian has often been the most entertaining personality on the tennis court and apart from interacting with the crowd including taking advice sometimes, Nick also produces some breathtaking shots that leaves the crowd amazed.

Kyrgios has started a new podcast called the ‘No Boundaries Podcast’ along with his childhood friends James and Alex and talked at lengths on various topics including tennis, basketball and also about the upcoming 2022 Australian Open which is in discussion regarding the vaccination status of the players. During the podcast, he heaped praise on Roger Federer and talked about Federer’s legacy.

“Federer for me is just like the Michael Jordan of tennis. I think what he’s done for the sport in general with the fans and for the kids. I think kids mostly look up to Federer if they had to choose out of those three. I think as a whole, he’s done the most to move the sport,” said Kyrgios praising Federer and putting him above his fellow Big-3 members Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Speaking on the imminent retirement of the 40-year old Federer who is currently recovering from his knee surgery post his quarter-final defeat at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, Kyrgios believed that it will be a massive loss of the sport to see Federer go.

“I feel when he retires it’s going to be the biggest hit to tennis, sponsorship and everything. I think without Federer, there’s no Djokovic or Nadal. Those two guys were chasing him, they were the motivation. For me right now, Federer is the GOAT” added Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios played only 15 matches this season

Kyrgios had a poor season in terms of results and fitness as well. After a 3rd round exit at the 2021 Australian Open, Kyrgios did not feature on the court till he played his 1st round match at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. At the Championships, he had to retire mid-match during his 3rd round match due to abdominal pain and also withdrew from the Olympics in Tokyo.

He returned to action in Atlanta where he lost in the 2nd round and post that he saw 3 consecutive first-round defeats in Washington, Toronto and the US Open. He then played at the Laver Cup making his 4h appearance for Team World but eventually lost the tournament as Team Europe won the tournament yet another time.

Kyrgios then ended his season with a 7-8 record for the year as he picked up another injury and now plans to return to competitive action in 2022 and plans to play at the 2022 Australian Open, his home Slam and confirmed his double vaccination status during the podcast.

Also Read: “Roger Federer is very unlikely to play the Australian Open” says coach Ivan Ljubicic

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