Nick Kyrgios lost the game against Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters in 2022. The score was 7-6, 5-7, 6-4. He put up a good competition, but at the end of the day, Kyrgios had to take a leave. The Australian player lost his cool at several points in the game, breaking rackets and swearing. However, he could not achieve the goal of reigning the match against Rafa. 

Kyrgios’ mutual respect for Rafael Nadal

During the press conference, he mentioned his exchange with Nadal near the net. He also talked about the respect that they both have for each other now. Kyrgios has played Rafael Nadal nine times now, and he is grateful for that. He mentioned, “I feel like we respect each other like I think he’s the greatest of all time as of now like I really in this game have never said anything that bad”. He reiterated the fact that he respects Rafael Nadal and that he brings out competition and attention to the sport. 

Kyrgios’ rivalry with Nadal

He agreed to the fact that they have had exchanged words near the net. However, he saw that in a positive light phrasing, “And, you know, it’s good for the sport, like that rivalry, like I’m Nick Kyrgios and I’m a rival to Rafael Nadal. How? Like how is that possible?” Kyrgios is an aggressive player, and we know him for his serves. He attained his maiden ATP title by winning in Marseille in 2016. Nick had beaten Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals in Acapulco in the year 2017. 132nd ranked Australian player has had his highs and lows in his career. The Australian got amazed and said, “And my career’s 1/40th of what he’s done, and we’re rivals because of that little back, and forth that was nothing.” Rafael Nadal became the first man to win the 21st grand slam title at the 2022 Australian Open.

Nick’s role models

The Australian pointed out that he is 26. He has admired Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic since he was a kid. He said, “I looked up to all these guys growing up when I was on the fence getting my ball signed when I was 12 years old.” Nick showed his displeasure against people who think he is bad for the sport as he believes he brings only attention to it, evidently, which is good.

READ MORE: ‘It Most Definitely Wasn’t Like Zverev’- Nick Kyrgios Reacts Angrily to a Journalist After Smashing a Racquet Dangerously Close to a Ball Boy

Nick Kyrgios is a rising star in tennis, but Rafa’s career has made him the greatest that he is today. His fans and rivals respect him equally because of the unbelievable summits he has conquered.