Novak Djokovic on Nick Kyrgios: I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but I’m not losing sleep over criticism
Novak Djokovic insists he is “not losing any sleep” over Nick Kyrgios’ “wave of criticisms” against him, but admits he is not sure why the Australian “is saying all these things”.
Kyrgios didn’t hold back during an interview on the No Challenges Remaining tennis podcast in May as he came out swinging against world No 1 Djokovic as well as Rafael Nadal.
He accused Djokovic of having a “sick obsession with being liked” while he described Nadal as being “super salty”.
After keeping quiet for more than a month, Djokovic finally responded to the criticism after a practice session at the Janko Tipsarevic academy in Belgrade.
“Honestly, I genuinely don’t think he is a bad guy,” the Serb said.
“I don’t know why Kyrgios says all these things. Whether he is seeking attention or has some other motive, he obviously wants to be sincere and transparent. It’s the way he is, I respect that like I respect all other players on tour.
“He can say what he wants, I don’t have a problem with it. Does he show me the same amount of respect that most other players do? No, he doesn’t, but that’s the way he communicates these days.”
The 15-time Grand Slam winner revealed that he offered Kyrgios help a few years ago, but is a bit confused why he is suddenly public enemy number one.
“Before he unleashed this wave of criticisms against me, I actually met him off court during a US Open tournament, five years ago I think, and talked to him a bit,” he said.
“It was at a time when everyone was on his case because of his antics.
“I offered help in the sense that I told him he could always come and talk to me if he needed to, because I faced similar situations and the same kind of criticism for my behaviour when I was younger.
“But something changed inside him from that point on. I’d never had that kind of problem with anyone else on tour but I am not losing any sleep over it. I don’t understand why or what happened but I don’t judge him.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
The Andy Murray odyssey and what it means for his chances of making Wimbledon
-
Juan Martin del Potro lifts lid on his injury hell and backs Andy Murray’s return
-
-
Padel set to explode in the UK after endorsements from the likes of Jurgen Klopp and John Terry
-
FAMOUS FIVE: Tennis comebacks Andy Murray will be hoping to emulate
-
Latest
-
News‘My first hit in over a year’ – Laura Robson on comeback trail after hip surgery
The former Wimbledon junior champion last played a tournament in April 2019.
-
NewsBritish youngster Paul Jubb dreaming big after disrupted first year as pro tennis player
Jubb made his Wimbledon debut last summer.
-
NewsOrganisers expect to finalise arrangements for 2021 Australian Open ‘very soon’
It is expected event will be pushed back.
-
ATP TourJurgen Melzer hits back at Novak Djokovic’s ATP claims, saying it is ‘utter nonsense’
Melzer ‘surprised that Djokovic is surprised’.
-
Australian Open‘Players will skip Australian Open if they are not allowed to practise during quarantine period’
Players not ready to commit to Australian Open.
-
Australian OpenWait for confirmation about 2021 Australian Open dates continues as Tennis Australia gives another update
Talks ongoing about dates for 2021 Australian Open.
-
NewsITF teams up with LTA in an attempt to introduce youngsters to tennis
Nearly 100,000 children in UK have taken part in Tennis for Kids over past five years.
-
Tennis Top 10WTA top 10 prize-money earners in 2020: Sofia Kenin at No 1 as Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty miss out
Your WTA top 10 prize-money earners in 2020.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe ATP Finals in London from 2009-2020 by numbers: 850 million viewers, $78.8m in prize money
Impressive figures from the ATP Finals at The O2 Arena.
-
ATP TourJuan Martin del Potro eyes Olympics, but says ‘I will continue to lie to myself’ if dream doesn’t materialise
Juan Martin del Potro dreaming of the Olympics.