Nick Kyrgios has made a big prediction about ‘monster’ Novak Djokovic after the 22-time major champion won his 10th Australian Open title on Sunday.
Australian bad boy Kyrgios – who some tipped as having an outside chance of emerging victorious himself at his home Grand Slam after a stellar 2022 – was forced to withdraw from this year’s tournament through injury.
After two weeks of pulsating action, it was Djokovic who came out on top after he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6 7-6 to equal Rafael Nadal for the most men’s singles major titles in history as he dropped just one set across the tournament.
Kyrgios and Djokovic contested the Wimbledon final in July – which the Serbian also won – and the pair were once fierce enemies but are now good friends as they took part in a exhibition match prior to this year’s Australian Open.
After Djokovic was crowned champion on Sunday, Kyrgios took to social media to congratulate the 35-year-old and made a prediction about the tennis legend.
‘He will get to 28 slams easily,’ Kyrgios posted on Twitter, which would take Djokovic well above Margaret Court, who has the most in history of both men’s and women’s players with 24.
Kyrgios added: ‘Haha I told you. We created a monster. Well done @DjokerNole… Sat on my couch and enjoyed the entire show. Soak it all in…
‘The jacket with 22 on it is elite energy, haha I love it…. NEED MORE.’
Tsitsipas, meanwhile, speaking on the Rod Laver Arena court after his runner-up finish to Djokovic, labelled him ‘the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet’.
The Greek star said: ‘Novak, I don’t know what to say. It speaks for itself what you have achieved so far. It’s all in the numbers.
‘Congratulations. Not only to yourself but having such a supportive family. I think it is very similar the way we grew up around tennis so it’s been an unbelievable journey for you.
‘I admire what you’ve done for our sport and I think you make me a better player when are on court.
‘I have had the privilege to play a lot of difficult and high intensity matches but I would like to say one more time Novak brings out the best in me.
‘He’s one of the greatest in our sport and he’s the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet for sure.
‘I’d like to think to thank you for pushing our sport so far. I think it deserves a player like you who pushes every single player that’s involved in the sport to the max.
‘It’s not easy, another final at a Grand Slam but I am always willing to go back on court and work harder. I would like to thank my team for coming on this journey with me.
‘I am happy I have group of supportive people around me, people who wake up every single day and have the same goals and ambitions as me.
‘I’m extremely privileged that I get to do this for a living.
‘I would also like to thank the Greek fans because they always make me so welcome here. Thank you very much and hope to see you next year.’
MORE : Novak Djokovic wins record-extending 10th Australian Open title to equal Rafael Nadal on major trophies
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