Nick Kyrgios says Novak Djokovic is ‘on his last legs’ after problem at Wimbledon

Day Eight: The Championships - Wimbledon 2025
Novak Djokovic is hoping to get his hands on a historic 25th Grand Slam singles trophy (Picture: Getty)

Nick Kyrgios feels Novak Djokovic is ‘on his last legs’ as he attempts to fight Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the Wimbledon singles title.

Djokovic played his ‘worst set in years’ on Monday before bouncing back to defeat Alex de Minaur as he continues his quest for a 25th major trophy.

The 38-year-old, who has dropped a number of retirement hints this year, appeared to be struggling with a breathing problem against De Minaur.

Djokovic was spotted conducting several breathing exercises during changeovers and was quizzed about the issue following the match.

‘I was trying to manage the breathing after 30-plus shots rallies from the back of court,’ Djokovic said. ‘You need a breather and don’t have much time.’

Speaking to TNT Sports, Australian tennis star Kyrgios says Djokovic is ‘on his last legs’ and feels there has already been a ‘changing of the guard’.

‘Novak Djokovic, I do believe, and I hate to say, is on his last legs,’ Kyrgios said.

When did Djokovic last win a Grand Slam title?

Day Eight: The Championships - Wimbledon 2025
It’s been almost two years since Novak Djokovic won a Grand Slam title (Picture: Getty)

Djokovic’s last triumph at a major tournament came at the US Open in 2023.

That saw the Serbian move level with Margaret Court (24) for the most Grand Slam singles titles in history.

Djokovic didn’t land any of the major trophies in 2024 – and hasn’t clinched one this year – with Alcaraz and Sinner dominating instead.

‘He’s still an amazing player and he can still compete, but I’m just not sure for how long.

‘I think Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be carrying this sport for the next 10-15 years.’

Kyrgios: Alcaraz and Sinner have the reins

TENNIS-FRA-OPEN-2025
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will carry tennis ‘for the next 10-15 years’ (Picture: Getty)

Kyrgios, who was a Wimbledon runner-up to Djokovic in 2022, added: ‘I think Alcaraz and Sinner definitely have the reins.

‘They are the changing of the guard. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have gone already and I think the sport has felt that.’

‘These guys (Alcaraz and Sinner) are incredible talents. They’re generational talents and athletes.

‘The sport of tennis is in for a ride with these two competing for Grand Slams.

‘We saw that at the French Open, it was one of the highest-quality finals that the sport has ever seen, so we all just need to enjoy the ride.’

Sinner hails ‘special’ rivalry with Alcaraz

‘I think every rivalry is different,’ Italian world No.1 Sinner said when quizzed about Alcaraz.

‘Back in the day, they played different tennis. Now it’s very physical, but you cannot compare. I was lucky enough to play against Novak and Rafa. Beating these guys, it takes a lot.

‘I have the same feeling with Carlos and some other players. It’s very special. I’m happy to be part of this.’

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