Nick Kyrgios: 'Novak Djokovic can't be the GOAT, he lost to me twice'

After leaving him alone for a couple of months, Nick Kyrgios is back with Novak Djokovic as his primary target. The Aussie called world no. 1 'a tool' a couple of days ago, and now he is questioning his status of the all-time greatest. In his most recent interview, Nick said that Novak will never stand as the GOAT from his point of view, as he lost both matches played against him. Djokovic and Kyrgios played twice within a couple of weeks in 2017, and the Aussie scored both wins in Acapulco and Indian Wells. In the Acapulco quarter-final, Kyrgios prevailed 7-6, 7-5 in an hour and 47 minutes, with Djokovic failing to reach the hard-court ATP semi-final for the first time since the ATP Finals 2011! Nick lost 15 points in 12 service games and saved the only break point offered to the Serb. Novak got broken in the second set's closing stages and lost the pivotal points to hit the exit door. Nick saved that break chance at 2-3 in the opener and fended off two set points in the tie break to grab it 11-9.

Both players served well in set number two before Kyrgios scored a break at love at 6-5 to seal the deal and advance into the semis. A few weeks later, Kyrgios dethroned the five-time Indian Wells winner 6-4, 7-6 in an hour and 51 minutes for his third Masters 1000 semi-final. Nick's first serve was a real enigma for Novak, blasting 14 aces with about the same number of service winners and keeping his second serve safe, never facing a break point against one of the greatest returners ever. Novak made a slow start and never fully recovered to send the match into the desired direction after spraying 25 unforced errors.

Nick Kyrgios spoke about Novak Djokovic again.

He saved four out of five break points to limit the damage, but Nick stayed focused to claim the second set tie break 7-3 for his second win over Djokovic in as many matches. The Aussie had 25 winners and just 19 unforced errors, keeping himself composed and finding the right pattern to hold Novak's return, as Serb reached only one deuce in Nick's service games. Thanks to many free points behind the initial shot, Nick created a clear edge in the shortest points (55-42), which led him towards victory.

"No matter how many Majors Novak wins, he will never be the greatest to me. I played against him twice, and if he can't beat me, you are not the greatest of all time," Nick Kyrgios said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3sOq3wX