Nick Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, shared his candid views on the debate between matchups from different generations of tennis players. Recently, in an interview with The Athletic, Kyrgios delved into the hypothetical matches between tennis legends of yesteryear, such as Pete Sampras and Boris Becker, and today’s formidable players.
Kyrgios boldly asserted that the older generation would struggle against the prowess of modern-day players. He also shed light on the changing dynamics of the sport. He pointed to Lleyton Hewitt’s victory over Sampras in the US Open 2001 final, stating, “Hewitt ‘destroyed’ Sampras, and players like Djokovic would ‘eat Sampras alive.’”
Kyrgios emphasized the evolution of the game, noting that the slower pace of the past era wouldn’t stand a chance against the more powerful, fast-paced, and athletic style of play of today’s generation. Kyrgios talked about the significance of a powerful serve in the modern game, which was not the case earlier. He said, “You need to be serving 220 [all the time], because if you serve anything less than 220, bro, Djokovic eats you alive.”
“He would eat him alive.”
Nick Kyrgios doesn’t think Pete Sampras would stand a chance against Novak Djokovic — and says it’s “absurd” to think stars from the past would be just as good in the modern era.@MattFutterman’s exclusive with the Australian tennis star ⤵️
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 12, 2023
While expressing his viewpoint about tennis’s generational change on-court, he also spoke about some off-court aspects, like commentary. Kyrgios criticized some tennis commentators, highlighting his appreciation for Jim Courier’s analysis but expressing frustration with others.
He remarked, “Sometimes it’s hard to watch these old heads kind of break down the game all the time for new fans. It’s like some of the stuff they say doesn’t make sense.” As tennis keeps changing, Kyrgios offers a new way of looking at things. He challenges some of the current stuff while giving a fresh perspective that aligns with the younger generation of fans.
Kyrgios contemplates ATP exit for Saudi-backed tennis tour
Nick Kyrgios recently expressed that he would consider leaving the ATP Tour if a breakaway tennis tour funded by Saudi Arabia materializes. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made significant inroads into various sports, including soccer, boxing, F1, and, of late, golf.
Kyrgios, in a conversation with The Athletic, stated, “I would have been the first one to jump off. I would have gone. I would have just let the ATP ship sink.” The tennis star expressed his willingness to explore new opportunities if tennis follows golf’s lead in forming a tour backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, which will invite a lot of money, as per Kyrgios.
FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 https://t.co/sJpj9lK6Vg
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2023
Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in tennis is evident, with the recent hosting of the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah and plans to host an exhibition match between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in Riyadh. Reports suggest negotiations are underway for Saudi Arabia to host the 2024 WTA Finals.
The Australian, known for his candid nature, emphasized the need for a balance between physical and mental well-being in the relentless world of professional tennis. As the sport evolves, Kyrgios continues to offer a unique perspective, challenging norms and the status quo, like his recent take on quitting ATP for the Saudi Arabia tour.