‘Legend, GOAT and intense’ – Nick Kyrgios’ three words for Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

Shahida Jacobs 03 Jul 2023 1:36 PM

Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic discuss tactics

(L-R) The Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios was recently asked to describe each of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in one word and he came up with interesting replies.

The Big Three of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal have dominated men’s tennis over the past two decades and any mention of their names online or in real life often results in a debate about who is the greatest player of all time (GOAT).

While some feel it is always subjective and often comes down to personal preference, many pundits, players, retired stars and fans believe the GOAT debate is “closed” on the back of Djokovic winning a 23rd Grand Slam at Roland Garros in June with Nadal – who is currently out with a long-term injury – one behind him and the retired Federer on 20 majors.

Others suggest Nadal is the greatest due to his dominance on clay as he has won a record 14 French Open trophies while there are those who believe Federer deserves the title as he paved the way for the other two as well as the current generation.

During an interview with Men’s Health, Kyrgios was first asked to describe Djokovic in one word and he replied: “I would say the word has changed maybe six times during the time I have known him.

“But right now, the word is legend. He’s a real legend of the game. What I like about Novak is that he deals with a lot of shit but just keeps going. He has a fan base where a lot of people love him and a lot of people don’t.

“He sometimes doesn’t know where he can play, what tournament, he deals with a lot of other people’s opinions coming at him, and he just does it. That’s a cool thing.”

Then the focus switched to 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer and the Australian said: “GOAT.”

Asked if he meant the greatest of all time, he answered: “Yes. You’ll never find anyone else who plays like him. So pure, so natural, the way he plays the game… yeah, pure.”

As for Nadal, Kyrgios initially struggled to come up with a word, but ultimately settled on intense: “I would say… [pause] Jeez, this is a tough one. [Pause] I’ve never seen anyone so intense in my entire life. He’s an incredible athlete, but yeah, intense.”

Andy Murray, meanwhile, has found himself well off the pace of the Big Three since his heyday in 2016, but Kyrgios appreciates the three-time Grand Slam winner.

“An underrated player. And one of the funniest guys I ever met in my life. I know his humour isn’t always appreciated in the UK, but he’s so funny,” the 28-year-old said.

He added: “You guys voted him the most boring athlete or some nonsense. I’m telling you, he’s hilarious. The way he tells jokes, really hilarious.”