LONDON — Nick Kyrgios, the outspoken Australian tennis star, has shared his surprising wish for Novak Djokovic’s retirement—one that may never come to fruition. In a recent interview, Kyrgios expressed his desire for the Serbian legend to retire as an eight-time Wimbledon champion, a milestone that would further cement Djokovic’s legacy but remains uncertain given the competitive landscape of men’s tennis.
Kyrgios, known for his candid opinions, made the remarks during a podcast appearance, where he discussed Djokovic’s dominance and future in the sport. "I’d love to see Novak retire with eight Wimbledon titles," Kyrgios said. "It’s a crazy number, but if anyone can do it, it’s him. The guy is a machine. But with young guys like Alcaraz and Sinner coming up, it’s not going to be easy."
The Djokovic Legacy at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic currently holds seven Wimbledon titles (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), tying him with Pete Sampras and just one behind Roger Federer’s all-time record of eight. Kyrgios’s wish hinges on Djokovic securing one more title at the All England Club—a feat that seemed inevitable before Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning victory in the 2023 final.
The 2023 Wimbledon final was a turning point. Djokovic, then 36, was heavily favored but fell to the 20-year-old Spaniard in a five-set thriller. Kyrgios, who has faced Djokovic in high-stakes matches (including the 2022 Wimbledon final), acknowledged the shifting dynamics: "Novak’s still the best in the world, but the younger guys aren’t scared anymore. Alcaraz proved that. If Novak wants that eighth title, he’ll have to fight harder than ever."
The Road to Eight: Obstacles Ahead
Djokovic’s path to an eighth Wimbledon crown is fraught with challenges:
- Youth Movement: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune represent a new wave of talent unburdened by past rivalries.
- Physical Demands: At 37, Djokovic must manage his schedule carefully to remain competitive in best-of-five matches.
- Mental Fatigue: After 24 Grand Slam titles, motivation could become a factor.
Kyrgios, who has battled injuries in recent years, empathized with the physical toll: "People don’t realize how hard it is to keep winning at that age. Your body doesn’t recover like it used to. Novak’s a freak, but even he’s human."
The Kyrgios-Djokovic Dynamic
Despite their on-court clashes, Kyrgios has developed a respect for Djokovic over the years. The two shared a memorable rivalry, including Kyrgios’s viral comments and their 2022 Wimbledon final showdown. "We’ve had our moments, but I’ve got nothing but respect for what he’s done," Kyrgios admitted. "He’s the ultimate competitor."
Will the Wish Come True?
Djokovic’s 2024 season has been inconsistent by his standards. A semifinal exit at the Australian Open and early losses in Indian Wells and Monte Carlo have raised questions. However, Wimbledon remains his strongest hunting ground. Kyrgios remains cautiously optimistic: "If he stays healthy, I wouldn’t bet against him. But time is undefeated."
Tennis analysts are divided. Some, like former champion Mats Wilander, believe Djokovic has "at least one more Wimbledon in him," while others argue that Alcaraz’s victory marked a generational shift.
Conclusion: A Fitting Farewell?
Kyrgios’s wish reflects a broader sentiment in tennis—a desire to see Djokovic cap his career with one final historic achievement. Whether it happens depends on Djokovic’s health, hunger, and ability to fend off the sport’s rising stars. As Kyrgios put it: "Eight Wimbledons would be the perfect ending. But knowing Novak, he might just go for nine."
For now, fans can only wait and watch as Djokovic continues his quest for immortality on the grass courts of SW19.