"I used to hate Rafael Nadal so much.. Didn't feel that anger towards Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic" - Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios revealed his past hatred for Rafael Nadal. The Australian admitted that he didn't feel the same way about the Spaniard's greatest rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios was featured as a guest on a recent episode of the Nothing Major podcast, co-hosted by American former stars John Isner, Jack Sock, Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey. During the episode, the Australian revisited his negative feelings towards the 22-time Major winner and former World No. 1.
"I couldn’t stand him. 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," Kyrgios said.
The former World No. 13 further stated that his reason for disliking Rafael Nadal was how the Spaniard was always talked about in the tennis academies of Australia when Kyrgios was developing his game. The Australian himself is known for his innate tennis talent, but at the same time, he has faced criticism for what many perceive as a lack of work ethic.
"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," Kyrgios added.
Nick Kyrgios faced the now-retired Spaniard on nine occasions and won three of them. The former World No. 1 once infamously called Kyrgios out over what the Spaniard deemed to be a disrespectful act from the Australian.
When Rafael Nadal said Nick Kyrgios "lacks respect"
At the 2019 Mexican Open in Acapulco, Nick Kyrgios stunned Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16. The Australian registered a remarkable 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(6) comeback win over the Spaniard. However, a signature underarm serve from Kyrgios irked the 22-time Grand Slam champion, especially as the Spaniard was not ready to return. During his post-match press conference, Nadal criticized Kyrgios for his behavior.
"He is a player who has huge talent, who could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for first position in the rankings. He lacks respect for the public, the opponent and himself," Nadal said.
At Kyrgios' post-match press conference, the Australian was asked to share his thoughts on what the Spaniard said about him. Kyrgios replied:
"That's the way I play. That's the way he plays. He's very slow between points and the rule of the book says you have to play at the speed of the server."
Earlier this year, Kyrgios revisited his 2019 Mexican Open win over the former World No. 1 and called it an "epic against one of the GOATs".