Nick Kyrgios makes lavish Novak Djokovic claim after watching his epic Australian Open win

Kevin Palmer 14 Jan 2024 11:58 PM

Novak Djokovic continues to win at the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios made a colourful entrance to the commentary box at the Australian Open, as he gave his views on Novak Djokovoic’s epic win against Croatian teenager Dino Prizmic in Melbourne.

The world number one is a big favourite to win an 11th title at Melbourne Park, where he has not lost since 2018, but he dropped the second set as 18-year-old Prizmic showed what makes him a major talent for the future.

The qualifier was briefly a break up in the third set and kept battling after Djokovic stepped things up before the defending champion finally clinched a 6-2 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-4 victory on his seventh match point after four hours and one minute.

The win inspired Kyrgios, who played against Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, to suggest the Serbian is close to being unbeatable in the best-of-five-set format.

“In best of three, it’s possible, but best of five it’s a whole different beast,” said Kyrgios.

“The level of anxiety coming into a Grand Slam feels bigger. The niggles tends to become bigger than it is, all your sense are heightened.

“Novak is one to already carry an injury last year, deal with it and win a tournament. I don’t think his wrist this year will be a big issue. Look, any advantage against a player, I’ll ask him when we’re changing ends to see if I can get an edge. But it’s impossible to get in his head. I thought I’d done it when I won a set at Wimbledon but he’s the greatest of all time for a reason, he’s so composed.

“When I played Rafa for the first time in the fourth round at Wimbledon and I had success, I hit a fault then a big second serve as I didn’t want to rally. That’s how nervous I was. I didn’t want to be involved in any rallies then I realised that my game was enough.

"He's getting BETTER!" 🤩

Nick Kyrgios couldn't help but laugh at how good Novak Djokovic is playing 😅@NickKyrgios | @DjokerNole | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YMgUmPnPTc

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) January 14, 2024

“Scoreboard pressure is a big thing and it’s important to hold your serve and try and build that pressure. I’ve seen stranger things and anything is possible – Nick Kyrgios as a commentator for Eurosport.”

“You saw the greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, even Andy Murray struggle to have success against Novak on the biggest stages in the world.

“Do I think there are players that can do it? Yes. I think (Carlos) Alcaraz, (Jannik) Sinner, (Daniil) Medvedev, (Alexander) Zverev, there are a bunch of players that can do it but it’s an incredibly tough task.

“I’m keen to see what the GOAT has to offer and if he can find his feet. I think he is definitely the favourite; I think he can be beaten but I’m going to have to see it.”