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Novak Djokovic’s Close Friend Nick Kyrgios Channels His Inner Fanboy for Roger Federer as He Accepts Humility in Swiss Maestro’s Magic

Published Oct 3, 2023 | 11:00 PM EDT

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Nick Kyrgios is one of the rarest in the tennis circuit who made it to Novak Djokovic‘s friends list. The Aussie also holds a surprising edge over head-to-head against Djokovic. Out of the three matches they have played, Kyrgios bagged two wins. But elsewhere, the Wimbledon Championships runner-up never stood a chance against another legend of the sport, Roger Federer, and even declared him the G.O.A.T. after the Swiss ace once stunned him during the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

But that is just the icing on the cake. The cherry on top came after a year when the former World no.1 extracted the most animated reaction from the Aussie bad boy. Years later, the Australian champion revealed his feelings about Federer destroying him.

Novak Djokovic fanboy discloses his ‘genuine’ reaction to being hit by Federer

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The former World No.13 played one of his earlier Grand Slams when Federer ruled the court. In the third round of the US Open, the Swiss legend locked horns with the Aussie bad boy for the 6th time in their career. Federer, who had already won 4 straight encounters against Kyrgios, destroyed the Aussie’s attempt to win a point with a shot still fresh in the 28-year-old’s mind.

In 2018, then World No.2 Federer defeated the unseeded Kyrgios in straight sets. But what went down in history was the Swiss Maestro’s epic drop shot. King Roger’s shot made the Aussie circle his mouth in a perfect ‘O.’ The ‘Matchpoint ATP’ Instagram account shared the clip of Federer leaving Kyrgios standing in the middle of the court, wide in shock.’

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The Australian shared the clip to his Instagram story and revealed his happiness. He wrote, “Hahahaha I was genuinely happy he hit this against me 😂.” Kyrgios admired Federer for his aura and even attempted to copy the Swiss legend‘s game. Later, the Aussie understood that Federer was unimitable and started forging his own path.

 

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Kyrgios’ reaction was unmissable, and the shot became the topic of discussion after the Swiss Maestro won the match. Federer talked about how he got there and what propelled him to decide. The 42-year-old also shared his thoughts on what he thinks of the Australian, while the latter dished out which quality of Federer he has to imbibe.

Nick Kyrgios makes an incongruous revelation concerning Roger Federer

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During the post-match interview, Federer was asked how he arrived at such an iconic return to a perfectly executed slice. He said, “The funny thing about it, I didn’t think about it until I hit. I actually thought I wasn’t going to get it. I thought it went too flat. But, good feet, and I went for it.” Afterwards, the 20-time Grand Slam winner also revealed that though he liked Kyrgios for his game, the Aussie’s behavior never impressed him.

via Reuters

Ironically, after the exact match, Kyrgios revealed that he and Federer are two opposites. But he could learn a thing or two from the Swiss Maestro. Kyrgios declared Federer the “ultimate role model to anyone who wants to play.” The Aussie Bad boy said he would like to learn Federer’s on-court calmness and demeanor without losing his original self.

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Federer hung the racket and started a new chapter in his life, but Kyrgios is still in the process of doing so. It has been over a year since the Aussie went on an injury break. His comeback remains debatable, but Kyrgios might resume from where it all began- the Australian Open.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘What A Class Act’ – Serena Williams Sends Love As Roger Federer Hangs His Tennis Racket

Written by:

Krishna Priya

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Vadlamani Krishna Priya is a tennis writer at Essentially Sports. Pursuing her passion for storytelling, she has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Helped by her cousin who introduced her to the rules and regulations of the game during her childhood, Roger Federer matches became Priya's gateway to the world of tennis.
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Edited by:

Mitali Dey