‘With Roger Federer out already, the sport needed Novak Djokovic at Australian Open 2022,’ Nick Kyrgios reiterates importance of Big Three in Tennis


‘With Roger Federer out already, the sport needed Novak Djokovic at Australian Open 2022,’ Nick Kyrgios reiterates importance of Big Three in Tennis

Nick Kyrgios, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Nick Kyrgios is one player on the ATP Tour who never shies away from speaking what’s on his mind. Similarly, in the Novak Djokovic visa saga, the Australian came out in support of the world number one, and criticized the authorities for their poor handling of the situation.

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Nick Kyrgios revealed that Novak Djokovic personally reached out to him, and thanked him for speaking out for him during these tough times. In an interview with The Age, Nick Kyrgios touched upon the importance of the Big Three Players– Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic and the position they hold in the sport.

Roger Federer had already pulled out of the Australian Open 2022, as he continues his recovery from yet another injury. Hence, Kyrgios believes that with the Swiss maestro already out of the tournament, it would have made sense if Novak Djokovic was allowed to compete in Melbourne.

For the sport I definitely feel that we needed him (Novak Djokovic) here. Federer is not here already. We know how much these big three kind of carry, and how much volume of tickets are sold because of them, how many people on TV watch them,said Kyrgios on the Big Three.

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Novak Djokovic saga a terrible distraction: Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios was unhappy with how the entire Novak Djokovic situation unfolded. The Australian believes that the authorities were nitpicking with the Serb’s visa, whilst also allowing him to practice at the Rod Laver Arena.

Nick Kyrgios believes the entire situation was a terrible distraction, as it took the entire spotlight away from the action on court.

It [the whole saga] is a terrible distraction … even for the other athletes. They’re nitpicking with the visa, and then they’re kind of letting him prepare, and kind of not,” the Australian added.

The Novak Djokovic visa situation had its ups and downs. After seeing his first appeal being upheld, Djokovic’s visa was cancelled once again by Minister of Immigration, Alex Hawke. However, his second appeal in court was unsuccessful which meant he was deported back to Serbia.

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Kyrgios believes that this is no way to humiliate a champion like Novak Djokovic. A decision on whether to let him play or not should have been made earlier. “I’m like … either send him out early, or let him play. Now I feel it’s getting a bit embarrassing. I feel it’s not fair on him now. Preparing for a grand slam is hard enough,” the Australian continued.

Also Read: ‘I am not interested in having rallies against Diego Schwartzman,’ Nick Kyrgios announces he will not be a part of the clay-court season