Nick Kyrgios is the latest person to weigh in on the GOAT debate. The 26-year-old Australian has a 7-8 win-loss record this year. His last appearance was at the Laver Cup, where he was a part of the European squad. He reached the third rounds of the Australian Open and Wimbledon. With 6 titles to his name, Kyrgios achieved a career-high ranking of 13 in the world. Currently, he holds the 90th spot on the ATP rankings.
Recently, Nick Kyrgios was seen speaking in a podcast. He expressed his views on the GOAT debate, saying Roger Federer has done the most for the sport.
Nick Kyrgios: “Federer has changed the sport the most”
On the No Boundaries podcast, Nick Kyrgios said “The GOAT? Today I say, Federer. The most influential player to ever play is Federer. His game is copied. On the tour, there are guys like [Grigor] Dimitrov who has literally copied his game. Dude, find your own style! Overall, he [Federer] is the one who has changed the sport the most.”
He further added “For me, Federer is the Michael Jordan of tennis. And it’s his retirement that will hurt tennis the most. For sponsors, etc. Without Federer, there is no Djokovic or Nadal. They were chasing him.”
You can watch the full video here;
“No one really plays like Novak,” Nick Kyrgios on Novak Djokovic
Nick Kyrgios also spoke of the current world no. 1. He said “No one really plays like Novak while people emulate Federer. Even I imitate his gesture in the serve sometimes. If Novak wins another Grand Slam, he will go ahead.”
“We must seek progress” Nick Kyrgios advices budding tennis players
One being asked if he has any words of advice for upcoming tennis players, Nick Kyrgios said “We must not seek perfection, we must seek progress. Try, every day, to improve in a field. Make it simple, train, change your diet if you eat anything. Do not be in constant competition with others. From the moment you stop comparing yourself to others… If you can look at yourself in the mirror, know that you are yourself and that you can be proud of it, be satisfied with what you have.”
He further explained “There are several possible ways to become a professional tennis player, you don’t have to be like Federer, Nadal or Djokovic. I beat these guys in my own way. Whatever the sport or profession, you have to believe it, have self-confidence. Obviously, you have to work hard. There is no shortcut.”
