Nick Kyrgios has fired out a warning to Novak Djokovic’s critics as he closes in on a record-equalling Wimbledon victory.
Kyrgios lost to Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final and the duo have become friends over the last couple of years after ensuring a hostile relationship prior to that.
That change of mood between the duo has seen Kyrgios emerge as one of Djokovic’s most vocal supporters in recent years and now he has lept to his defence once again after his hostile exchange with fans on Centre Court on Monday evening.
Djokovic claimed some spectators disrespected him during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune on Monday night by repeatedly chanting the young Dane’s surname.
During a heated on-court interview, the seven-time champion said: “Well, to all the fans that had respect and stayed here tonight thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.
“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a gooooood night. Gooood night, gooood night. Very good night.”
He went on to add: “When I feel a crowd is stepping over the line, I react,’ he said. ‘I don’t regret my words or actions on the court.
Djokovic was criticsed in some quarters for his reaction to the fans, especially after his claims that they were booing him appeared to be wide of the mark.
Yet Kyrgios has now suggested Djokovic will thrive on that animosity coming his way, as he suggested the Wimbledon fans may spur Djokovic on towards success if they continue to cheer on his opponents.
Novak looks for more motivation in those things,” Kyrgios told the BBC.
“He will single out that one person in the crowd to find that extra motivation, so my advice to anyone going up against Novak in the future in the crowd, if you don’t want Novak to win, be as quiet as possible.
“He is a different type of athlete. I think we found a time ago that he wasn’t human and we are still trying to figure out what he is.
“It wasn’t boos (against Rune) but I think crowds all around the world need to understand that Novak doesn’t need more of a motive to play better.
“He’s driven, one of the best players in the world and I’ve seen it time and time again, the crowd try to poke the bear and that’s not what you want to do against Novak.
“He loves it. I try not to poke the bear when I play him and I really struggle with that. Obviously it cost me my Wimbledon final.
“He doesn’t need more of a motive to go out there and prove to someone he is the greatest of all time.
“He has the best team around him in his recovery. He is one of the most professional players to ever play the game – no-one doubts that.
“He is reaping the rewards now. His career is over 20 years and he is still one of the best in the world. If one of the young guys can dethrone him, I am waiting for it.”
Djokovic had a walkover into the semi-finals after Alex de Minaur was forced to withdraw due to injury, with Kyrgios suggesting it was a big boost to his title hopes at Wimbledon.
“For Novak, it’s probably the best thing to happen for him with his knee, two days off, especially at his age, 37, and with that knee. I don’t think you should doubt this man,” he added.
“After that match against Holger Rune, he is playing and moving the best I have ever seen him. If one of the young guys can dethrone him, I am waiting for it.”
Kyrgios has been practicing with Djokovic at Wimbledon this year and has hinted he may look to edge himself pack into competitive tennis by playing some doubles later this year.
