Player-turned-commentator, Nick Kyrgios, recently opined his views on the GOAT debate, proclaiming Novak Djokovic as the undisputed No. 1 in Men’s tennis history. However, he also said that Roger Federer is the Michael Jordan of tennis.
In a recent commentary session during the Australian Open, Kyrgios was asked about whom he thought was the most complete player of all time. And the Aussie straight away replied that Novak Djokovic was the most complete and the greatest player of all time. He backed up his take by mentioning the key skills that make the Serbian stand out amongst his peers and rivals.
“Without a doubt [the most complete player of all time]. I think forehand, so solid and pretty much hit every shot off at backhand. Arguably the best backhand to ever take court. Serve solid, the greatest returner of all time. One of the best movers I think to ever play. The greatest of all time is definitely Novak,” he said about Novak and what makes him the GOAT.
These kinds of debates usually have multiple contenders, each player bolstering their success and achievements. However, according to Nick, there isn’t much that can be taken away from Novak. He said that the stats and numbers are in Novak’s favour and that he’s well-rounded in his skills as compared to his rival Rafael Nadal.
“Statistics. It’s hard to even have a conversation any more. He’s the most complete player, on all surfaces as well. Look at Nadal’s dominance on one surface whereas Novak’s had that pretty much everywhere,” he said.
But, Kyrgios, made another comparison to justify the role and aura that Roger Federer showed. The Australian said that while Novak may be the GOAT of tennis, Federer remains the ‘nicest’ player to watch. He compared the flashy brand of gameplay that Federer had to that of Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, also known for his flashy plays.
“And that doesn’t mean… Like if I was to go out there and say, ‘who would I want to watch?’ Yep, I think Roger Federer is obviously the nicest player to watch. He’s the most talented, makes the game look effortless. And he’s like the Michael Jordan of tennis.”
“Without Roger would there have been a Novak? Would there have been a Nadal? Something to chase,” Kyrgios said.
100 – This will be Novak Djokovic’s 100th match at the Australian Open, becoming the only men’s player in the Open Era to appear in 100+ matches in all four Grand Slams events. Centennial.#AusOpen | @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/K4nLqGbmYt
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 19, 2024
“I’m the No. 1 and still on top of my game,” Novak Djokovic has no plans to retire at his peak
Novak Djokovic, who currently holds the ATP Men’s World No. 1 ranking was recently asked about his plans for the season and whether the thoughts of retirement are lingering in his mind.
Answering the question, Novak affirmed that the idea of retiring hasn’t crossed his mind yet. He stated that he’s still on top of his game and won’t walk away from the game as a title contender and World No. 1.
“I feel while being No. 1 and still on top of my game, I don’t feel like leaving tennis while in that position,” he said.
Novak also said that as long as he can maintain his status as a major contender, he will continue to push forward.
“I feel like I want to keep on going, and when I feel I’m not able to compete with the guys on the highest level and be a contender for a Grand Slam title then I’ll probably consider going into retirement.”
