Nick Kyrgios ‘used to hate and despise’ Rafael Nadal in Federer, Djokovic comparison

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Nick Kyrgios ‘used to hate and despise’ Rafael Nadal in Federer, Djokovic comparison​

Nick Kyrgios has revealed he used to “hate and despise” Rafael Nadal when seeing the legendary Spaniard in the locker room at tournaments.

Former world No 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal called time on his career last month, playing his final match in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final loss to the Netherlands.

Kyrgios played the tennis great nine times, holding a 3-6 record against Nadal.

The Australian famously stunned Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 – Kyrgios’ breakthrough tournament – and also defeated him at the 2017 Cincinnati Open and 2019 Acapulco Open.

Nadal and Kyrgios shared a tense relationship across their career, with the two clashing off-court on multiple occasions.

After their Acapulco encounter, Nadal infamously claimed that Kyrgios was “a good guy, but what he lacks is a little respect for the public, for his rival, and also for himself.”

Speaking this week on the Nothing Major podcast, former world No 13 sensationally claimed that he “couldn’t stand” seeing Nadal during the latter’s playing career.

The 29-year-old also revealed that he felt an “anger” towards Nadal that he never felt when up against fellow ‘Big Three’ greats Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

“I couldn’t stand him,” said Kyrgios.

“I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around. He was one guy who always motivated me.

“If I played him I would get up for it and try and get the best tennis I could possibly play. I didn’t feel that anger towards Federer or Novak when I played them.

“If I played Rafa, because everyone in our academies back home idolized him, they were like: ‘he is such a hard worker, he’s this and that.’

“I was like ‘I can’t stand this guy’. I wanted to show people you could just have fun and be chilled and beat people like that.”

Despite their differences, Kyrgios paid a touching tribute to Nadal after the Spaniard confirmed his retirement from tennis earlier this season.

On Twitter/X, he wrote: “Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa. I’m gonna miss them.

“This was someone that I used to prepare for… he was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. F**k – it’s true- people do bring the best out of you.

“You were one of those people. Damn…..”
While Nadal is exploring life post-tennis, Kyrgios makes his long-awaited return to professional action at the end of the month.

After a successful 2022 season, the Australian played just one ATP-level event across 2023 and 2024 due to a range of injury issues.

However, the former Wimbledon finalist will finally return to action on home soil, joining the likes of Novak Djokovic in the Brisbane International draw.

That will be followed by an appearance at the Australian Open, where Kyrgios will play for the first time since 2022.
 
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edberg volleys said:

Nick Kyrgios ‘used to hate and despise’ Rafael Nadal in Federer, Djokovic comparison​

Nick Kyrgios has revealed he used to “hate and despise” Rafael Nadal when seeing the legendary Spaniard in the locker room at tournaments.

Former world No 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal called time on his career last month, playing his final match in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final loss to the Netherlands.

Kyrgios played the tennis great nine times, holding a 3-6 record against Nadal.

The Australian famously stunned Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 – Kyrgios’ breakthrough tournament – and also defeated him at the 2017 Cincinnati Open and 2019 Acapulco Open.

Nadal and Kyrgios shared a tense relationship across their career, with the two clashing off-court on multiple occasions.

After their Acapulco encounter, Nadal infamously claimed that Kyrgios was “a good guy, but what he lacks is a little respect for the public, for his rival, and also for himself.”

Speaking this week on the Nothing Major podcast, former world No 13 sensationally claimed that he “couldn’t stand” seeing Nadal during the latter’s playing career.

The 29-year-old also revealed that he felt an “anger” towards Nadal that he never felt when up against fellow ‘Big Three’ greats Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

“I couldn’t stand him,” said Kyrgios.

“I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around. He was one guy who always motivated me.

“If I played him I would get up for it and try and get the best tennis I could possibly play. I didn’t feel that anger towards Federer or Novak when I played them.

“If I played Rafa, because everyone in our academies back home idolized him, they were like: ‘he is such a hard worker, he’s this and that.’

“I was like ‘I can’t stand this guy’. I wanted to show people you could just have fun and be chilled and beat people like that.”

Despite their differences, Kyrgios paid a touching tribute to Nadal after the Spaniard confirmed his retirement from tennis earlier this season.

On Twitter/X, he wrote: “Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa. I’m gonna miss them.

“This was someone that I used to prepare for… he was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. F**k – it’s true- people do bring the best out of you.

“You were one of those people. Damn…..”
While Nadal is exploring life post-tennis, Kyrgios makes his long-awaited return to professional action at the end of the month.

After a successful 2022 season, the Australian played just one ATP-level event across 2023 and 2024 due to a range of injury issues.

However, the former Wimbledon finalist will finally return to action on home soil, joining the likes of Novak Djokovic in the Brisbane International draw.

That will be followed by an appearance at the Australian Open, where Kyrgios will play for the first time since 2022.
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Kyrgios still hasn't realised that his rivals weren't Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. He only got past the 1/4 finals once in about 30 grand slam tournaments. His rivals are the likes of Ugo Humbert and Tomas Macac, the better than average journeyman who rarely play in the 2nd week of major tournaments.
 
reaper said:
Kyrgios still hasn't realised that his rivals weren't Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. He only got past the 1/4 finals once in about 30 grand slam tournaments. His rivals are the likes of Ugo Humbert and Tomas Macac, the better than average journeyman who rarely play in the 2nd week of major tournaments.
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Players like Nadal seem like a mirror for his kind. He was forced to see all his failures, weaknesses and troubles in it and hated it. The worst part:

“If I played Rafa, because everyone in our academies back home idolized him, they were like: ‘he is such a hard worker, he’s this and that.’

“I was like ‘I can’t stand this guy’. I wanted to show people you could just have fun and be chilled and beat people like that.”
Click to expand...

He showed that he could beat them at first but the greats learned, adapted and overcame him. Hard work did pay off in the end - for them.
 
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This is like a jock hating on straight a student.

What I don't appreciate is why the tennis crowd flock to this character. It is not special, it is a bot through and through.

I think only reason is some find brash/arrogant people likeable. Like Andrew Tate. Or wrestling fans.

The social media has exaggerated this trend where everyone is begging for attention. This character kyrgios is the worst. It is like classic WWE villain looking for heat.

You can say you like a holes when you find this character entertaining.

No need to lie to us about how skilled this character is.
 
Nadal's celebration after their 2019 Wimbledon match said it all. It was definitely a grudge match at the time, as was their previous 2019 Mexican Open match in Acapulco.

Nadal likes routines and order. Kyrgios is the exact opposite of that apart from trying to hit big serves and being fast on his service games, an approach which contrasts with Nadal's routines. Kyrgios' loud mouth is likely what Nadal dislikes most about Kyrgios.
 
nolefam_2024 said:
This is like a jock hating on straight a student.

What I don't appreciate is why the tennis crowd flock to this character. It is not special, it is a bot through and through.

I think only reason is some find brash/arrogant people likeable. Like Andrew Tate. Or wrestling fans.

The social media has exaggerated this trend where everyone is begging for attention. This character kyrgios is the worst. It is like classic WWE villain looking for heat.

You can say you like a holes when you find this character entertaining.

No need to lie to us about how skilled this character is.
Click to expand...
Nick wishes he was a WWE heel lol he'd be terrible at it
 
Mustard said:
Nadal likes routines and order. Kyrgios is the exact opposite of that apart from trying to hit big serves and being fast on his service games, an approach which contrasts with Nadal's routines. Kyrgios' loud mouth is likely what Nadal dislikes most about Kyrgios.
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Nadal's "routines" always broke the rules. It's obvious gamesmanship, like delaying the server and taking MTOs. The aforementioned gamesmanship, and his fake humility are likely what Kyrgios dislikes most about Nadal

I have way more respect for someone who says arrogantly but honestly what they think about a match (even if it backfires spectacularly), than someone who says they will "try my best, no?" against a journeyman. What Nadal said about the 2020 FO final, was 1000 times better than his usual Humbalito routine
 
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Mustard said:
People who hate Nadal are the reason. They wanted to rough him out of his routines.
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el martir... :cry:

martyre-de-saint-ignace-gravure-sur-bois-publi%C3%A9e-en-1894.jpg
 
He seemed to hate and despise many of the Big 3 at some time or other. Was Federer the only exception?
 
jm1980 said:
Nadal's "routines" always broke the rules. It's obvious gamesmanship, like delaying the server and taking MTOs. The aforementioned gamesmanship, and his fake humility are likely what Kyrgios dislikes most about Nadal

I have way more respect for someone who says arrogantly but honestly what they think about a match (even if it backfires spectacularly), than someone who says they will "try my best, no?" against a journeyman. What Nadal said about the 2020 FO final, was 1000 times better than his usual Humbalito routine
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Joker fans don’t have a leg to stand on here, lol.

And fake humility? Where’s the grounds to make a claim like that? The guy has about as small of an ego possible for someone as successful as he is. Just because Kryngios is a loud mouth punk doesn’t mean RAFA isn’t incredibly humble given everything he’s achieved.
 
Mustard said:
People who hate Nadal are the reason. They wanted to rough him out of his routines. Nadal just changed his routines. For example, take more time in between first and second serves instead of taking more time in between points.
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The rule allowed 20 seconds between serves. Most players, including Kyrgios himself, have no problems following this rule. Nadal abused it to an extreme because it gave him time to recover, enabling his style of play

Nadal fans lament his injuries. But the real question is, how many Slams would he have won if the time limit between serves had been strictly enforced, as it should have been?
 
The Blond Blur said:
Joker fans don’t have a leg to stand on here, lol.

And fake humility? Where’s the grounds to make a claim like that? The guy has about as small of an ego possible for someone as successful as he is. Just because Kryngios is a loud mouth punk doesn’t mean RAFA isn’t incredibly humble given everything he’s achieved.
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Don't confuse fake humility with having a small ego. It's just arrogance, dressed up in a different way
 
jm1980 said:
The rule allowed 20 seconds between serves. Most players, including Kyrgios himself, have no problems following this rule. Nadal abused it to an extreme because it gave him time to recover, enabling his style of play

Nadal fans lament his injuries. But the real question is, how many Slams would he have won if the time limit between serves had been strictly enforced, as it should have been?
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There would be no tennis because of bureaucratic pen pushers. The money men wouldn't allow that anyway.
 
Ended up being a very standard H2H by the end, 6-3 Nadal :cool:
And they met 3 times at slams, and Nadal won the last 2 (2019 Wimbledon, 2020 AO).
Was going to be a 4th slam meeting but Nadal withdraw at 2022 Wimbledon, after barely being able to serve vs. Fritz.
 
Mustard said:
There would be no tennis because of bureaucratic pen pushers. The money men wouldn't allow that anyway.
Click to expand...
The NBA became a better product with the shot clock

The money men manufactured Nadal, by slowing down everything to suit his style
 
jm1980 said:
Genuine arrogance is much better than fake humility
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Lol, again that’s just you projecting what you believe onto a player you dislike. The fact of the matter is one guy grew up getting his butt kissed by his family, telling him he was chosen by God to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. And the other had an uncle/coach who intentionally instilled lessons of humility into his training. And the difference between their on court demeanors couldn’t be more obvious. The number of childish tantrums Joker’s had are quite frankly embarrassing.
 
Mustard said:
Djokovic was little different for a long time with all the ball bouncing.
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Djokovic was different because while he did waste time, it was quantifiably less than Nadal
Mustard said:
And tennis has NOT become better with a shot clock, quite the reverse.
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The shot clock hasn't been implemented correctly in tennis. They had given umpires too much leeway on when they started it. For players like Nadal, umpires were waiting 10-15 seconds before they even started the 25 second clock. This meant they effectively still had 40 seconds between points. Other players gamed the system by catching the toss. Sometimes umpires wouldn't call a time violation even when the timer expired, and so on.

What needed to happen was strict enforcement, except in cases of clear hindrance (e.g.: ball rolls onto the court):
  • Serve clock begins immediately after the previous point ends. No waiting for players or the crowd.
  • Serve clock only stops after the serve is struck. You can catch your toss, but the clock will run while that happens.
  • Audible and visible buzzer is activated if the serve isn't struck before the timer expires. Time violation is then automatically assessed.
  • A shorter 10 second serve clock between first and second serves, with the same implementation.
And then poof, all the problems go away
 
jm1980 said:
The aforementioned gamesmanship, and his fake humility are likely what Kyrgios dislikes most about Nadal
Click to expand...
I doubt it. Nick said exactly why he had hatred for Nadal. Nick reminds me too much of Agassi. They both should have played a team sport of some type. I think they would have been much happier.
 
jm1980 said:
Djokovic was different because while he did waste time, it was quantifiably less than Nadal

The shot clock hasn't been implemented correctly in tennis. They had given umpires too much leeway on when they started it. For players like Nadal, umpires were waiting 10-15 seconds before they even started the 25 second clock. This meant they effectively still had 40 seconds between points. Other players gamed the system by catching the toss. Sometimes umpires wouldn't call a time violation even when the timer expired, and so on.

What needed to happen was strict enforcement, except in cases of clear hindrance (e.g.: ball rolls onto the court):
  • Serve clock begins immediately after the previous point ends. No waiting for players or the crowd.
  • Serve clock only stops after the serve is struck. You can catch your toss, but the clock will run while that happens.
  • Audible and visible buzzer is activated if the serve isn't struck before the timer expires. Time violation is then automatically assessed.
  • A shorter 10 second serve clock between first and second serves, with the same implementation.
And then poof, all the problems go away
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Completely unrealistic considering how demanding the rallies are.
 
jm1980 said:
The rallies became more demanding because of the excessive recovery time given to the players

You bet players would start looking to end the points quicker if they knew they only had 25 seconds between points instead of 40+
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Rallies are what make tennis popular. Remember the criticisms that a lot of grass-court tennis got in the 1990s because of so many 1-2 shot rallies? John Lloyd was advocating that Wimbledon get rid of grass altogether in the mid and late 1990s.
 
Mustard said:
Rallies are what make tennis popular. Remember the criticisms that a lot of grass-court tennis got in the 1990s because of so many 1-2 shot rallies? John Lloyd was advocating that Wimbledon get rid of grass altogether in the mid and late 1990s.
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You can go too far to one extreme or the other. Nobody wants to see 1-2 shot rallies. But 30+ shot rallies where nobody wants to take any risks aren't all that exciting either
 
jm1980 said:
But 30+ shot rallies where nobody wants to take any risks aren't all that exciting either
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I wonder if this isn't due to the maxing of player fitness overall. More players are able to get to more balls that in years past did not happen as much and it isn't that players don't want to take risks but rather it generally just doesn't work out in doing so. I know there are reasons for not considering the following but perhaps court dimensions need to change (or just make the doubles alley part of singles play).
 
Nadal lives rent-free in Kyrgios' head and has for a decade. Nadal's work ethic and willingness to push himself to hit one more shot...showed Kyrgios himself that he wasn't trying anywhere near hard enough out there. Instead of using it motivation, he doubled down in his laziness and formed some one-sided, childish hatred of Nadal. Nick truly is still the bratty kid whose rear end his family kissed and coddled from birth
 
The Blond Blur said:
The this line: “I didn’t feel that anger towards Federer or Novak when I played them.” Is complete and utter nonsense, lol. He hated Joker probably more than any player he played against. He took way more shots at him than anyone else on tour.
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Well..i think Kyrgios has admitted who he truly thinks is the GOAT lol. he is the exact kind of guy who hates the best. You will have seen this play out at school and at university and in clubs. The loudmouthed guys who think they are something cannot stand the guy who they see as the best and actually will tend to try and cosy up to the best player's biggest rivals.
Kyrgios always reminds me of a Jeremy bates type player from back in the day. In the 90s he would have struggled to break the top 50. Technically he has many flaws due to his dreadful footwork
 
The Blond Blur said:
Lol, again that’s just you projecting what you believe onto a player you dislike. The fact of the matter is one guy grew up getting his butt kissed by his family, telling him he was chosen by God to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. And the other had an uncle/coach who intentionally instilled lessons of humility into his training. And the difference between their on court demeanors couldn’t be more obvious. The number of childish tantrums Joker’s had are quite frankly embarrassing.
Click to expand...
The fact Nadal is still the most talked about player even though he has effectively been retired for 2 years now in real terms will have rattled some guys in the locker room! perhaps it was the Olympic torch moment that cemented the envy in the haters minds for eternity. Oh well, never mind.
 
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