Nick Kyrgios is in no doubt over the identify of the successor to all-time tennis greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios experienced the greatness of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic several times during his career, most notably in 2022 when he was beaten by Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
Federer and Nadal have both retired from the sport but Djokovic is still bidding to add to his immense trophy collection and haul of 24 Grand Slam titles at the age of 38.
Djokovic is dreaming of lifting a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, the venue of seven of his major trophies, but is up against two potential future greats of the game.
Kyrgios believes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, can dominate the sport over the next decade.
Alcaraz already has five Grand Slam titles to his name at the age of 22, while Sinner is a three-time major champion.
The pair were involved in an epic French Open final earlier in the month, with Alcaraz saving three match points and coming from two sets down to triumph in the longest ever final at Roland Garros.
Kyrgios is a huge admirer of ‘very powerful’ Sinner but believes Alcaraz is the player that can emulate all-time greats Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
‘Incredible tennis,’ Kyrgios told The Guardian when asked about Alcaraz and Sinner’s thrilling French Open final.
‘It’s pretty obvious those two are going to be juggernauts of the sport for the next 10 or 15 years. They pushed each other to a level that not many have played before.
‘Serve-bot’ Alcaraz the Wimbledon favourite
Carlos Alcaraz warmed up for his Wimbledon defence by winning his second Queen’s title.
‘I just feel that I’m playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable after each match,’ he said after reaching the final.
‘Making the final here at Queen’s once again is so special, so I guess grass mode is activated.
‘I am starting to think I am a serve-bot. No I’m kidding. After the match against [Jaume] Munar [in the last 16] I wanted to improve my serve game, I put a lot of focus on the practice to improve my serve and yesterday and today it was a really good weapon for me.
‘I am feeling great and serving that good gives you a lot of confidence from the baseline.’
‘I think Alcaraz has that flair and X-factor of Federer, Nadal and Novak. Sinner is incredibly powerful but Alcaraz will be up there with those greats.’
Given Kyrgios’ take on Alcaraz, it should come as no surprise that the Australian has tipped him to defend his Wimbledon title in SW19.
‘I’ve got to say Alcaraz,’ the Australian said when asked for his Wimbledon prediction.
Why isn’t Nick Kyrgios playing at Wimbledon?
Kyrgios was hoping to return to Wimbledon for the first time in three years but confirmed his absence earlier in the month due to an injury setback.
The 30-year-old has now played at Wimbledon since his defeat to Djokovic in the 2022 final.
‘Just wanted to give everyone a quick update – I’ve hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won’t make it back for grass season this year,’ Kyrgios wrote on Instagram.
‘I know how much you’ve all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I’m genuinely sorry to disappoint.
‘This is just a bump in the road though, and I’m already working hard to get back stronger than ever. Thank you for all your continued support – it means everything to me. See you soon!’
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