Wimbledon: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal Are "Gods", But Tennis Needs Relatable People, Says Nick Kyrgios | Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios hailed Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as “gods” on Thursday but insisted tennis also desperately needs his devil-may-care non-conformity. The controversial Australian crowd-pleaser reached the Wimbledon third round by brushing aside Italy’s Gianluca Mager 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-4 to set up a clash with Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. In between, he absorbed coaching tips from random fans while discussing the merits of Tottenham Hotspur.
“Not everyone can be a Federer or Djokovic or Nadal. These are, like, once-in-a-decade athletes that inspire millions of people. Like, they’re just gods. I see them as that, too,” said the 26-year-old Kyrgios.
“But you have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch, like people that are just normal.
“I feel like I’m one of those people. I’m Nick Kyrgios. I know who I am.”
Being Nick Kyrgios is an exhausting existence which unites and divides fans, other players and officials.
