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
-
WimbledonSerena Williams after ‘rough injury experience’: ‘I didn’t retire. I needed to heal physically, mentally’
After a “rough” injury, everything “just worked out” for Serena Williams to play at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonEmma Raducanu ‘to play a like a kid who just loves playing tennis’ as she readies to realise Centre Court ‘dream’
The US Open champion has been battling to overcome a side strain ahead of Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonWimbledon to potentially be Novak Djokovic’s last Grand Slam this year
His vaccination status strikes again!
-
ATP TourLiam Broady on his transformation as a player and ditching nights out
He’s gone from third tier tournaments to Wimbledon wildcard.
-
WimbledonCoco Gauff believes Serena Williams is still dangerous despite year break
She could be a serious contender at SW19.
-
ATP TourAndy Murray rules out any possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia
He won’t be making the trip to the country anytime soon.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal gives positive fitness update ahead of Wimbledon: ‘I can walk normally most of the days’
The Spaniard has been battling a chronic foot problem.
-
Tennis NewsExclusive: ‘Novak Djokovic has been treated badly,’ says John Lloyd, but ‘love will come out’ after he retires
John Lloyd feels people will start to “go crazy” for Novak Djokovic once he retires.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray says he ‘still has good tennis left’ and confident Ivan Lendl will help him to achieve his goals
Ivan Lendl has returned for a third spell coaching Murray.
-
WimbledonExclusive: Tim Henman’s prediction as Serena Williams returns at Wimbledon
Williams will have to wait until Tuesday to play her first singles match in 12 months after she limped out of Wimbledon last year.