In the electrifying world of professional tennis, where rivalries and personalities collide, Nick Kyrgios has offered a provocative take on Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The Australian maverick, known for his unfiltered commentary and flamboyant on-court antics, recently declared that Djokovic has fully embraced his role as the sport’s “villain.” This bold claim, made during a candid interview, sheds light on the Serbian superstar’s complex relationship with fans and his evolution into a player who draws strength from adversity.
Kyrgios and Djokovic’s relationship has been a rollercoaster over the past decade. Once marked by public spats, their dynamic has softened into mutual respect, culminating in a surprising doubles partnership at the Brisbane International earlier this year. Reflecting on their shared history, Kyrgios observed a profound shift in Djokovic’s mindset. “He’s way more comfortable in his own skin now,” Kyrgios said. “I think he did want the crowd to love him, but he enjoys being the villain. He finds energy when people heckle him.” This transformation, according to Kyrgios, has made Djokovic an even more formidable force on the court.
Djokovic’s career has been defined by unparalleled success, with seven Wimbledon titles and a grass-court win percentage of 85.7%, placing him among the all-time greats. Yet, his journey has often been overshadowed by a polarizing relationship with spectators. Unlike Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have basked in near-universal adoration, Djokovic has frequently faced jeers and skepticism. Kyrgios suggested that this once weighed on the Serbian, who craved the same affection as his rivals. “When I said he had a sick obsession with wanting to be liked, I wasn’t wrong,” Kyrgios admitted, revisiting a controversial 2019 comment. “But now, he doesn’t care what people think anymore.”
This newfound indifference has unlocked a different side of Djokovic. Kyrgios noted that the 38-year-old thrives under pressure, turning hostile crowds into fuel for his relentless drive. “He’s the greatest tennis player of all time, so he wouldn’t care as much what people think now,” Kyrgios remarked. This resilience was evident in Djokovic’s 2022 Wimbledon final against Kyrgios, a match that haunts the Australian. “It was only a couple of points here and there where, if I’d acted a bit differently, I would have had a Wimbledon title,” Kyrgios reflected. “But there’s no shame in losing to the greatest of all time.” Despite taking the first set, Kyrgios fell 4–6, 6–3, 6–4, 7–6(7–3), a defeat he still replays in his mind.
Kyrgios’s own career has been a study in contrasts. A former World No. 13 and 2022 Australian Open doubles champion, he has dazzled with his raw talent but struggled with consistency and injuries. A recurring knee issue has forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, marking his third consecutive absence from the grass-court Grand Slam. Yet, his bond with Djokovic has grown stronger, particularly since Kyrgios defended the Serbian during his 2022 Australian Open visa controversy. “We have respect for each other,” Kyrgios said, emphasizing that their contrasting personalities prove “you don’t have to have everyone liking you” to succeed.
Djokovic’s embrace of his villainous persona has sparked broader conversations about his legacy. While Federer and Nadal embodied elegance and grit, Djokovic’s tenacity and defiance have carved a unique path. Kyrgios predicted that younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz, whom he tipped to win Wimbledon 2025, will carry the sport forward with similar flair. “Alcaraz has that X-factor of Federer, Nadal, and Novak,” Kyrgios enthused, signaling a new era. But for now, Djokovic remains the sport’s towering figure, relishing his role as the anti-hero who silences doubters with every swing of his racket.
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