Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, US Open, Tennis
Tom Jenkins
Nick Kyrgios has responded to comments made about his lifestyle by long-time rival Novak Djokovic as we await the conclusion of this year's US Open.
Djokovic is hoping to reach his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2023, and he will have to beat the winner of that final to get there, as he faces Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final.
Despite Alcaraz's incredible form and recent success against Djokovic, he has never defeated the Serbian on a hard court, losing on all three occasions they have played.
Djokovic would likely have to face world number one Jannik Sinner in the final if he progresses, which would make it a sensational achievement to extend his record to 25 Grand Slam victories at the age of 38.
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Although Djokovic is still lighting up the court in his late 30s, one of his biggest rivals in the sport, Nick Kyrgios, who hasn't won a Grand Slam match since 2022, despite being eight years his junior.
Kyrgios is still a prominent figure in the tennis community with his social content and punditry still keeping him in the limelight.
His rivalry with Djokovic stems from having a positive record against the Serbian; however, his one defeat across three matches came in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
Despite clashing on the court, the pair have had a good relationship in recent years, and speaking to Clay Magazine ahead of his US Open semi-final, Djokovic revealed an insight into the pair's friendship.
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"Nick loves sending me clips from nightclubs, bars – I didn’t even reply to the last one!" Djokovic joked.
"He always says: ‘Why do I keep running into Serbs everywhere in the world?’
"He’ll go to a party, bump into one of ours, they’ll say: ‘Nick, you Serb!’ Then they hug, drink, and he sends me the videos," he added.
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Djokovic's claims feed into the idea that Kyrios is still the party animal of the ATP tour, with the Australian often facing criticism that he hasn't maximised his immense talents.
Following Djokovic's comments, it didn't take long for Kyrgios to respond himself, as he took to X on Friday morning to have his say.
The 30-year-old clearly saw the funny side of his rival's comments as his post read: "This is unbelievable hahaha."
This all comes amid unconfirmed speculation that Kyrgios will be competing in a 'Battle of the Sexes' match against WTA number one Aryna Sabalenka.
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Speaking recently in a podcast with fellow player Alexander Bublik, Kyrgios called Sabalenka 'awesome' but stressed that he wouldn't need to try '100%' to beat the Belarusian.