Nick Kyrgios names player who can emulate Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Kyrgios experienced the greatness of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic several times during his career, most notably in 2022 when he was beaten by Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
Federer and Nadal have both retired from the sport but Djokovic is still bidding to add to his immense trophy collection and haul of 24 Grand Slam titles at the age of 38.
Djokovic is dreaming of lifting a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, the venue of seven of his major trophies, but is up against two potential future greats of the game.
Kyrgios believes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, can dominate the sport over the next decade.
Alcaraz already has five Grand Slam titles to his name at the age of 22, while Sinner is a three-time major champion.
The pair were involved in an epic French Open final earlier in the month, with Alcaraz saving three match points and coming from two sets down to triumph in the longest ever final at Roland Garros.
Kyrgios is a huge admirer of 'very powerful' Sinner but believes Alcaraz is the player that can emulate all-time greats Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
'Incredible tennis,' Kyrgios told The Guardian when asked about Alcaraz and Sinner's thrilling French Open final.
'It's pretty obvious those two are going to be juggernauts of the sport for the next 10 or 15 years. They pushed each other to a level that not many have played before.
Carlos Alcaraz warmed up for his Wimbledon defence by winning his second Queen's title.
'I just feel that I'm playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable after each match,' he said after reaching the final.
'Making the final here at Queen's once again is so special, so I guess grass mode is activated.
'I am starting to think I am a serve-bot. No I'm kidding. After the match against [Jaume] Munar [in the last 16] I wanted to improve my serve game, I put a lot of focus on the practice to improve my serve and yesterday and today it was a really good weapon for me.
'I am feeling great and serving that good gives you a lot of confidence from the baseline.'
'I think Alcaraz has that flair and X-factor of Federer, Nadal and Novak. Sinner is incredibly powerful but Alcaraz will be up there with those greats.'
Given Kyrgios' take on Alcaraz, it should come as no surprise that the Australian has tipped him to defend his Wimbledon title in SW19.
'I've got to say Alcaraz,' the Australian said when asked for his Wimbledon prediction.
Kyrgios was hoping to return to Wimbledon for the first time in three years but confirmed his absence earlier in the month due to an injury setback. More Trending
The 30-year-old has now played at Wimbledon since his defeat to Djokovic in the 2022 final.
'Just wanted to give everyone a quick update – I've hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won't make it back for grass season this year,' Kyrgios wrote on Instagram.
'I know how much you've all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I'm genuinely sorry to disappoint.
'This is just a bump in the road though, and I'm already working hard to get back stronger than ever. Thank you for all your continued support – it means everything to me. See you soon!'
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37 minutes ago
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Monday's deal follows the long-awaited signing of Rodgers and trade for WR DK Metcalf plus the departure of WR George Pickens in recent months, among other moves. TBD whether a more aggressive approach translates into a deeper playoff run, but it does seem to indicate a shifting mindset for a team that might up hosting a very eventful draft in 2026 - regardless of what happens in 2025, which is likely to be Rodgers' final ride. DK Metcalf All due respect to Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek and others, but Metcalf remains the only bona fide wideout threat on this roster - though it's still worth wondering if Khan makes a run at an unsigned veteran like Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper. 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Minkah Fitzpatrick It's rare to see a Round 1 pick dealt midway through his second season, but Fitzpatrick wanted out of Miami in 2019 - he didn't feel like his abilities and role with the team aligned - yet now he's reunited with GM Chris Grier, who drafted him in the first place. Miami certainly had a hole to fill in its lineup after losing S Jevon Holland in free agency this year, so Fitzpatrick certainly helps from that standpoint. But he'll no longer get to leverage a Watt-led pass rush. And despite being a five-time Pro Bowler, including each of the past three seasons, Fitzpatrick hasn't been producing the big plays that forged his reputation years ago - generating just one turnover, total, since the start of the 2023 campaign. Tua Tagovailoa Smith led Miami with 88 catches last season. Now a quarterback who's eager to distribute the ball but is also prone to concussions, has lost his security blanket. Maybe this will make more sense down the line, but for right now ...? Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel Miami's GM and head coach, respectively, seem to have authored a transaction that doesn't exactly smack of "win now" - though it was clear they had to move on from Ramsey, who was ready to depart. And much as Steelers fans might be desperate for postseason success, the Dolphins haven't won a playoff game since 2000 - the longest drought in the league. Owner Stephen Ross gave his leadership a vote of confidence after last season's 8-9 finish but also said "(C)ontinuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that status quo is good enough. We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships." Hard to see how this trade cools the other kind of Florida heat Grier and McDaniel, who have now lost four team captains this offseason, are trying to beat. And the reaction one of their former players, RB Raheem Mostert, had to the trade speaks (to some level) on how things could unfold ... Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like sh*t. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!! — Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) June 30, 2025 Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, (Shedeur Sanders?) After the Baltimore Ravens recently signed CB Jaire Alexander, the AFC North now welcomes another elite corner with the arrival of Ramsey, a Pro Bowler in seven of his nine NFL seasons. It's certainly not the most welcome development for the division's high-profile quarterbacks. Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr. and Beanie Bishop Jr. It remains to be seen how Pittsburgh's lineup shakes out, specifically as to whether Ramsey, always a fantastic ball hawk, gets a look at free safety or not. But that seems unlikely given a trade of this magnitude - and especially so since the Steelers have experienced players like Miles Killebrew and Juan Thornhill available to step into Fitzpatrick's role. And if Ramsey does remain at corner, it begs the question of what happens to recently signed Slay and Porter, a second-round pick in 2023. All of them play predominantly on the outside, Ramsey's 185 snaps in the slot last season nearly double the total of Slay, who spent 2024 in Philadelphia, and Porter combined in 2024. But is a 30-year-old star going to live in the slot, which was typically manned by Bishop, an undrafted rookie in 2024? It's a very solid bet that Ramsey will operate however he's most comfortable in 2025, and then the others fall into place as circumstances dictate - which may or not benefit them from an individual perspective. AFC contenders? Are the Steelers suddenly a bona fide Super Bowl 60 threat? That will likely be primarily dictated by whatever version of Rodgers they're getting. But adding Ramsey and Smith also undoubtedly makes a team that's qualified for postseason four of the past five seasons more formidable. And even if Pittsburgh doesn't complete its "Stairway to Seven" in 2025, the Steelers are starting to increasingly look like a team that could ambush one of the conference favorites - Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore - along the way while getting Tomlin that next playoff win he's been awaiting for nearly a decade. Los Angeles Rams The presumed favorites to reacquire Ramsey's services - he played 3 1/2 seasons in LA, starting in 2019, and was a key performer for the Super Bowl 56 champions in 2021 - a team that may have the best chance to dislodge the Eagles on the NFC side of the bracket in 2025 couldn't find a way to broker a reunion. Doesn't mean the defending NFC West titlists aren't still a clear and present danger to the reigning Super Bowl champions but sure seems like adding a familiar star like Ramsey would have nicely furthered the cause. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
