SUMMARY
- Nick Kyrgios explains why he's not like Roger Federer, pointing out their different personalities.
- While Roger Federer is calm and elegant, Nick Kyrgios is outspoken and intense.
Nick Kyrgios opens up about why he couldn’t see himself in Roger Federer, shedding light on their contrasting personalities. While Federer is often celebrated for his composure and grace both on and off the court, Kyrgios stands out for his fiery and somewhat controversial demeanor.
Federer’s legacy as a gentleman athlete has earned him accolades as one of the most esteemed figures in sports history, contributing significantly to the popularity and elevation of tennis as a sport. In contrast, Kyrgios is known for his raw emotion and outspoken nature, presenting a stark contrast to Federer.
During a candid conversation, the Australian tennis star expressed, “I never looked at him and I was like, ‘I wanna be that guy,’ I knew it wasn’t attainable.” This sentiment underlined Kyrgios’ recognition of the fundamental differences between himself and Federer.
Nick Kyrgios says Novak Djokovic is the greatest of all time, but Roger Federer was the hardest for him to play:
“I matched up really well against Nadal. I had the most success against him, but he’s still beaten me a lot of times. Federer could make you feel really sh*t. No… pic.twitter.com/nXlMrufyvs
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 5, 2023
Kyrgios acknowledges that his approach to the game sets him apart from Federer and many others, asserting, “If everyone was the same and acted the same, no one would watch.” He emphasizes that while he may not relate to Federer’s style, he maintains a deep respect for the Swiss tennis legend.
Despite not aspiring to emulate Federer, Kyrgios holds Federer in high regard, referring to him as “the king of tennis” in an interview last year. He recognizes Federer’s influence in inspiring numerous players, including himself, to pursue a career in tennis. Kyrgios’ candid reflections offer insight into his unique perspective on tennis and his appreciation for Federer’s legacy, even as he charts his path in the sport.
Nick Kyrgios feels he is more relatable than the Big 3
Nick Kyrgios has explained why he believes he resonates more with fans compared to tennis greats like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. With a substantial following of 4.2 million on Instagram, Kyrgios acknowledges the influence of social media on the sport, citing it as a significant source of motivation.
“On social media, I have, you know, one of the largest followings outside of the big three, and I feel like that’s been a big driver for me. I realized how many kids were actually looking up to me,” the 28-year-old said on the Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast.
While Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer boast staggering follower counts on social media, Kyrgios argues that his relatability and down-to-earth persona set him apart. He views himself as a normal guy with everyday struggles, making him more accessible and relatable to fans worldwide. Kyrgios states “I’m just relatable. Like, I am a normal guy who makes normal issues.”
“Not everyone can be a Federer, not everyone can be a Djokovic, not everyone can be a Nadal. I’m Nick Kyrgios.”@NickKyrgios knows who he is. 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/i5gfvjNLzI
— TENNIS (@Tennis) July 1, 2021
Kyrgios expresses gratitude from his global fan base. However, he also acknowledges the polarizing nature of social media, where love and hate have existed in equal measure during his decade-long tenure on the tour.
