Novak Djokovic is making headlines at Wimbledon, with tennis star Nick Kyrgios suggesting the 24-time Grand Slam champion has flown “under the radar” despite his formidable presence.
Kyrgios Sees Djokovic as the “Dark Horse”
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who faced Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, shared his unique perspective on talkSPORT. Kyrgios believes Djokovic’s strong performance has been somewhat overlooked amidst the buzz around younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
He noted that Djokovic appears “injury-free” and is playing some of his best tennis in years. Kyrgios feels this “under the radar” status might even fuel Djokovic’s belief that he can win it all, making him a quiet favourite.
Djokovic’s Path to History
Djokovic is currently on a quest for his record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, aiming to match Roger Federer’s historic achievement. His last Grand Slam victory was the 2023 US Open, where he clinched his 24th major title.
However, he notably lost the last Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz. Today, the 38-year-old Serbian faces Italian Flavio Cobolli in the men’s singles quarter-final.
Cobolli has had an impressive run, overcoming opponents like 15th seed Jakub Mensik and Marin Cilic to reach this stage. Should Djokovic advance, his path to the final could include a challenging semi-final against either world number one Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton.
Roddick on Djokovic’s Competitive Fire
Former world number one Andy Roddick also weighed in on Djokovic’s enduring competitive spirit. Speaking on his Quick Served podcast, Roddick emphasized that Djokovic thrives under pressure and will “find a way” to succeed.
He likened Djokovic to a bear, warning against “poking” him. Roddick suggested that the Serbian star often creates a competitive edge, or “chip on his shoulder,” purely to fuel his performance when the stakes are highest.
A Son’s Unique Scouting Report
In a lighter moment, Djokovic recently shared a humorous anecdote involving his son, Stefan. He revealed that Stefan had practiced with his upcoming opponent, Flavio Cobolli, just days before their quarter-final clash.
Jokingly, Djokovic mentioned he might consult his son for insights into Cobolli’s game. He also quipped that Stefan has everyone’s signature except his own, highlighting his son’s deep love for tennis.
- Nick Kyrgios believes Novak Djokovic is an “under the radar” contender at Wimbledon.
- Djokovic is pursuing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title to match Roger Federer.
- Andy Roddick highlights Djokovic’s unique ability to thrive under competitive pressure.
- Djokovic will face Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals, with a potential clash against Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
As Djokovic continues his historic pursuit at Wimbledon, all eyes will be on whether he can harness his legendary competitive drive to secure another major title.
