Playing against Andy Murray was tougher than Novak Djokovic: Nick Kyrgios

The Australian Open 2021 has just started and local favourite Nick Kyrgios has breezed past his opponent Frederico Ferreira Silva in the first round in straight sets, 6-4,6-4,6-4. It was a straightforward win for the Australian as he played some fantastic tennis.

Kyrgios notched up a whopping 14 aces in the match His first serve win percentage was an astounding 84% which is testament to the fact that he is in great shape and form.

In the post-match press conference, the Australian was questioned about the toughest opponents among the ‘Big Three’. Kyrgios as always came up with some cheeky answers.

“All, all are great in their own way,” began Kyrgios. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen someone so dominant in their period of time as Novak. Like, he went on that 60-match winning streak or something. Crazy!”

While he appreciated both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Kyrgios believes that Roger Federer is on a different level and is the greatest. He added, “I mean in my opinion, Roger is the greatest of all time. With his skill set, the way he plays the game…I actually think talent-wise, Nadal and Djokovic aren’t even close to Roger. Talent-wise, just purely based on talent, the way Federer plays, his hands, his serving, his volleys, untouchable.”

The 25-year old gave the Big Three their due credit and appreciation but he also added how he thought that it was more difficult for him to play against Andy Murray than Novak Djokovic.

“It’s a tough one, me personally, I’ve played them all. I actually think Andy for me was tough, tougher than Novak to play. I’ve only played Novak twice, I’ve played Andy six times and I’ve won five. Nadal, I actually think, I match up quite well against Nadal…Styles make fights in tennis. All the match-ups are different,” revealed Kyrgios.

The Australian will face Ugo Humbert of France in the second round of the Australian Open. Considering the form he is in Kyrgios will be favourite to go through to the third round.