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“If I Passed (Away) Tomorrow..”: Former NBA MVP’s Claim on Dennis Rodman Humbled Tennis Giant Nick Kyrgios in 2021

Published 11/09/2022, 3:20 PM EST

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Right before the Australian Open in 2021, when 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about his tennis skills, he said that he is terrible at it. However, he instantly expressed his support for his countryman Stefanos Tsitsipas. Antetokounmpo was then questioned about Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios. Antetokounmpo stated that Kyrgios has a shaken personality. He said, “how can I say this politely? He’s the Dennis Rodman of tennis.” For Kyrgios, this was high praise. 

Much like Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman, Nick Kyrgios doesn’t shy away from expressing himself. For years now, he has had instances on the court and off the court where his behavior has been reprimanded. Even the media have fixated their attention on Kyrgios. However, when they are on-court, they give the sport their all. This comparison was humbling for Kyrgios.

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Nick Kyrgios responds to being compared to Dennis Rodman

Nick Kyrgios spoke to the media during an event in Sydney. He said, If I passed (away) tomorrow, I would take that any day of the week, being remembered as the Dennis Rodman of the sport.” He continued to state that Dennis Rodman reminded him of an individual who is happy and confident with the way they are.

via Imago

Kyrgios also commented on Rodman’s carefree attitude. For Kyrgios, this was very relatable. He said, “That is how I feel I go about my tennis career, I don’t really care what others think and I play the way I want to play.” 

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In his interview, Giannis Antetokounmpo stated that all in all, he thinks Kyrgios is a good guy. He also wished him well. Following this, Kyrgios retweeted the video of the interview. He further expressed his love for the one-time NBA champion. He encouraged Antetokounmpo to keep inspiring people.

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Nick Kyrgios is a huge fan of the NBA. Time and again fans have seen him in an NBA jersey. He is reportedly a Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant fan. Kyrgios has been very vocal about his love for basketball.

He said, Basketball is practically my life, and I watch it every day, and I’ve been following it for as long as I can remember.” He also spends time tweeting during live games.

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WATCH THIS STORY: I Felt Small: Serena Williams and Daughter Olympia Meet NBA Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo 

What do you think about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s comparison? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shriya Rajachandra

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Shriya Rajachandra is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Communicative English. Shriya previously interned at The New Indian Express, but her favorite journalist, Marcus Thompson motivated her to start writing about basketball.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana