Nick Kyrgios' cheeky confession about Novak Djokovic in tennis comeback plan
The Aussie tennis star admits he hasn't always put in the hard yards throughout his tennis career but says he will when Novak Djokovic retires.
Nick Kyrgios is the first to admit he hasn't always given his tennis career his all but has vowed to do so when dominant World No.1 Novak Djokovic retires. The Wimbledon finalist is currently sidelined through injury and has been working for TV networks ESPN and Eurosport during the Australian Open.
In a recent interview, the Aussie tennis star said he is backing Djokovic to once again take out the Australian Open, and joked that he would give tennis his all once the Serb stops. "I think when Novak decides to pack it all up you'll see a bunch of guys winning Slams," Kyrgios said.
'WON'T GO AWAY': Harsh truth for Cruz Hewitt after Australian Open debut
'HORRIBLE': Jelena Dokic detail comes to light amid Australian Open drama
"Secretly that’s my tactic, I’m just waiting for Novak to go, then I’ll go into hibernation, get in the best shape of my life, protected ranking. It’s been my plan all along. Leave me alone Novak."
Kyrgios has heaped praise on the World No.1 throughout the tournament, stating that he is only getting better. "He's in the conversation for greatest athlete ever with what he’s achieving," Kyrgios said on Eurosport’s coverage. "Seems like he’s got every shot in the book out and showing us why he’s the greatest player on the planet."
"He’s getting older, his game’s getting better, he’s moving better… incredible. What do you have to do to beat him? With no major injury, he definitely could play into his 40s.
"When you’ve achieved so much and become an icon in the sport, everyone wants you, they wanna take you down and they play their best tennis. So every single time Novak Djokovic goes out onto the court, it’s not easy for him. That’s even more credit to him."
Djokovic has no plans to retire
As he searches for his 11th Australian Open title, Djokovic revealed he won't be retiring while he is still dominating the men's game. Djokovic returned to his top form and easily moved into the quarter-final of the Australian Open after defeating Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
The Serb is looking to become the first tennis player in history to reach 25 grand slam titles. He currently is equal with Margaret Court on 24. She has held the record since 1973, but the Serbian is favourite once again to lift the trophy at Melbourne Park.
"I really love competing. I'm very passionate about it," Djokovic said. "I think I earned my right to choose what kind of tournaments I want to play. Of course, grand slams being the biggest ones, the pillars, are the priority on the schedule list. So while being No.1 and still on top of the game, I don't feel like leaving tennis in that position. I feel like I want to keep on going."
- with AAP
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
