Nick Kyrgios Opens Up About Commentating on Djokovic, His Comeback, and Future Ambitions
Nick Kyrgios, known for his electrifying on-court presence and candid off-court personality, has had a unique journey over the past two seasons. Limited to just one tournament appearance due to multiple surgeries, the Australian tennis star found a new way to stay involved in the sport he loves: commentary. His transition from player to commentator has offered fans an unfiltered view of tennis through his eyes, and it’s provided Kyrgios with a different perspective on some of the game’s biggest stars, including 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. Kyrgios’ commentary stint has been marked by humor, frankness, and the occasional frustration—especially when it comes to covering Djokovic’s early-round matches at Grand Slams.
The Frustration of Covering Djokovic
Kyrgios, never one to mince words, recently shared his experiences covering Djokovic during major tournaments. Speaking on the Australian Open’s The Sit-Down show, Kyrgios humorously expressed his frustration with the Serbian legend’s penchant for dragging out matches. “I’ve done a lot of Novak matches, and he frustrates the hell out of me,” Kyrgios admitted. “I hate doing his matches early on in Slams because he just plays around with his food for like four hours. I’m like, ‘I could’ve been in my hotel an hour and a half ago.’”
This frustration isn’t merely about the length of the matches but also the rollercoaster nature of Djokovic’s performances. Kyrgios elaborated, “He’ll be up two sets to love, then lose the third and start complaining. Then he’ll go to his box, and there will be a 7-6 in the fourth. I’m like, ‘Dude, do you just enjoy keeping me here?’ He frustrates the hell out of me; I hate doing Novak’s matches.”
This candid take offers a glimpse into Kyrgios’ personality—always straightforward, often humorous, and never afraid to speak his mind. Yet, beneath the frustration lies a deep respect. Kyrgios and Djokovic have developed an unlikely camaraderie, often joking around during tournaments. Their practice sessions and interactions suggest mutual admiration, a stark contrast to the icy relationship they once shared.
Carlos Alcaraz: A Favorite to Watch
While Djokovic might test Kyrgios’ patience in the commentary booth, Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as one of his favorite players to cover. The 21-year-old Spaniard, already a two-time Grand Slam champion, has captivated fans and commentators alike with his dynamic style and relentless energy. Kyrgios praised Alcaraz, saying, “I’ve done a lot of Alcaraz matches as well, and I think he’s probably one of my favorites to watch because he’s so exciting. He always has something up his sleeve that I think this tennis world hasn’t seen. He’s going to keep evolving.”
Alcaraz’s creativity and unpredictability resonate with Kyrgios, who himself has been known for his flair and unconventional shot-making. The Australian sees in Alcaraz a player who embodies the future of tennis, someone who brings a fresh, exciting dimension to the game. This admiration is significant coming from Kyrgios, who has often been critical of what he perceives as a lack of personality and creativity in modern tennis.
The Turning Point: Djokovic’s Encouragement
Kyrgios’ journey back to the court has been anything but straightforward. After undergoing wrist surgery, he faced the daunting task of rehabilitation, unsure whether he would ever return to his previous level. A pivotal moment came during a practice session with Djokovic at Wimbledon. Kyrgios recounted, “I was hitting with Novak, and when he said to me, ‘It doesn’t look like you’ve had surgery,’ that was a big motivation. I didn’t really know how far I’d come, and that gave me the push I needed to keep going.”
This endorsement from Djokovic wasn’t just a compliment; it was a lifeline. Kyrgios, who has battled injuries and personal challenges throughout his career, found renewed purpose in those words. “If he didn’t say that, I don’t know if I would have been motivated to keep pushing. That was definitely a big part of the journey,” he admitted. For Kyrgios, Djokovic’s encouragement was more than just validation—it was a catalyst for his comeback.
The Road Back: Brisbane International and Beyond
Kyrgios’ much-anticipated return to competitive tennis is set for the start of the 2025 season at the Brisbane International, scheduled from December 29 to January 5. This announcement has generated significant buzz, and Kyrgios is fully aware of the impact his return could have. “Whether a player wants me to come back or not, I don’t think there will be too many happy faces seeing me back on the tour,” he remarked. “I had a lot of friends and also a lot of people that didn’t get along with me, which I think is completely normal in sport. The tennis world needs a bit more of that.”
This statement underscores Kyrgios’ polarizing presence in the tennis world. He thrives on being an outsider, someone who challenges norms and refuses to conform. His return isn’t just about personal redemption; it’s about shaking up a sport he feels has become too predictable.
The Challenges Ahead
Returning from a significant wrist injury is no small feat. The history of tennis is littered with players whose comebacks were derailed by recurring injuries or an inability to regain their former form. Kyrgios is well aware of this reality. He’s seen the struggles of players like Juan Martin del Potro and Dominic Thiem, both of whom faced similar challenges. Yet, Kyrgios remains optimistic. His goal is clear: to reach a level where he can contend for Grand Slam titles once again.
“If I can avoid further wrist issues and major injuries, I believe I can make a real impact,” Kyrgios said. His confidence is not unfounded. At his best, Kyrgios has proven that he can compete with—and beat—the best in the world. His run to the 2022 Wimbledon final, where he lost to Djokovic in a closely contested match, remains a testament to his potential.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
As Kyrgios prepares for his comeback, the tennis world watches with bated breath. His journey from player to commentator and back to player again is a story of resilience, humor, and unfiltered authenticity. Whether he’s venting about Djokovic’s marathon matches or praising Alcaraz’s brilliance, Kyrgios brings a unique voice to the sport—one that fans and critics alike can’t ignore.
His return promises to inject new energy into the ATP tour. Love him or loathe him, Nick Kyrgios is never boring. And in a sport that often takes itself too seriously, that might be exactly what tennis needs.