Nick Kyrgios has explained how Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open rivals could try and get in his head over his wrist issues. The world No. 1 struggled with an injury during the recent United Cup but said he was pain-free on the eve of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Djokovic sparked concerns when he called the physio during two of his United Cup matches, receiving a medical time out when he faced Jiri Lehecka and getting treatment during the changeovers in his clash with Alex de Minaur. The world No. 1 went on to lose the matter match in straight sets, marking his first defeat on Australian soil in 18 years.
It raised question marks over his health ahead of the Australian Open, though the 36-year-old has since confirmed that he had time to recover and his wrist was “looking good”. It remains to be seen how he holds up during his matches but Kyrgios believes that Djokovic won’t be hampered by the issue.
“The level of anxiety the players feel leading into a Grand Slam, a niggle tends to become a bit bigger than it is, all your senses are heightened,” the former world No. 13 told Eurosport in his new role as a commentator. “So he’s one to already carry an injury and, like last year, deal with it, win the tournament.”
While Kyrgios backed Djokovic to play through any issue, he admitted that he would likely use the wrist problems to his advantage to try and get in the world No. 1’s head – something his rivals could do this fortnight. The former Wimbledon finalist continued: “I don’t think the wrist is too big of an issue but any sort of advantage as a player.
“If I know his wrist is sore, I’m going to ask him on change of ends, ‘How’s that wrist going?’ if he misses a ball, anything like that.” Although the Australian had a go-to exchange to try and trouble the 24-time Major winner, he admitted it was impossible to trouble Djokovic.
Kyrgios added: “Try and just see if I can get in the head but it’s impossible to get in his head. I thought I did it at Wimbledon when I won the first set. But he’s the greatest of all time for a reason. He’s so composed.”
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