‘Federer plays at 36. When I am 28, I may not’ – Kyrgios

During a press conference at Wimbledon, Nick Kyrgios sang praises for Swiss star Roger Federer and Spanish star Rafael Nadal. He was in awe of their consistency and passion for the sport. Soon, the Australian player was asked what he remembers about the 2008 final where Rafa emerged the victor.

‘Tough match. The level was unbelievable I thought. When you ever watch those two guys play, it’s just contrasting styles, complete contrast. I think that’s one guy, Roger, has never really worked out. He knows how to play him, but his head-to-head isn’t that great against him.

I love watching those two play. It’s a complete contrast in styles. It was cool to see Rafa finally get a W against Roger, on the grass especially. It was two sets to love up and then Roger won two sets. To steady the ship and win in the fifth set is pretty impressive’, said the 23-year-old.

Kyrgios also added that what Nadal and Federer do is insane. ‘Like tennis is physical. I get sore after I played like three matches in a row. I don’t even know if I can play, like, when I’m 28. I don’t know how old he is, like 36.

That’s insane. It’s crazy. I mean, they’re so professional. They do everything, tick all the boxes. Too good‘. He even spoke about his compatriot Bernard Tomic, who he would have faced if he hadn’t lost to Kei Nishikori.

‘Me and Bernie, I don’t think we’ve ever played on the tour. We practiced a lot. He was one of my Davis Cup teammates. We’ve hit a lot against each other. On the grass, he’s a nightmare. He plays very well on the grass.

If he puts his mind to it, he can do some damage here, for sure. I saw how he played today. He looks comfortable. Last year seeing him go down the way he did, it was not good for anyone. He was a guy that was struggling with a lot of things.

Today is a massive improvement. That’s good to see.’