Novak Djokovic claims Nick Kyrgios could be 'top 10 easily' but isn't for one reason

Nick Kyrgios has reached a Grand Slam final and lifted seven titles during his career, but he never made it inside the world's top 10. The Australian reached a career-high ranking of No. 13 all the way back in 2016, but Novak Djokovic - who has a rare losing record against Kyrgios - believes the 30-year-old could have made it into the elite tier in the rankings.

Kyrgios has always done things his own way. For most of his career, he has not had a full-time coach, and he didn't train as hard as some of his rivals. The Aussie has now spent the better part of three years sidelined by injuries, and Djokovic wishes his friend and rival could have had a little more discipline.

"Unfortunately, he didn't have the discipline that was required, but if he had 30 per cent - and he has five per cent - he'd be top 10 easily," the 24-time Major winner told Clay.

"He played a Wimbledon final without warm-up, without serious training, without a coach, and beat all of us at the top."

Djokovic formed a friendship with Kyrgios after the former world No. 13 defended him when he was detained and ultimately deported from Australia at the beginning of 2022.

They faced off in the Wimbledon final later that year, where Djokovic got his sole win over Kyrgios and declared that they officially had a "bromance". It was one of the best seasons of Kyrgios' career - he also won the Australian Open doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis, and they made it to the ATP Finals.

But Kyrgios' career has since been derailed by wrist and knee injuries. The 30-year-old made a comeback at the start of the 2025 season, but he's played just four tournaments this year and has been sidelined since the Miami Open in March.

Now, Djokovic is hoping the former world No. 13 can at least end his career on his own terms.

The Serb added: "He has so much talent and potential, he could have done incredible things, but neglecting his body brought him where he is.

"As a friend, I really like him and hope he comes back - to play that match with [Aryna] Sabalenka and at least his Australian Open, because he deserves that."

Kyrgios has already missed Wimbledon and the US Open this year and has no timeframe for returning to the tour.

But he's planning a Battle of the Sexes-style showdown with WTA No. 1 Sabalenka at the beginning of next year.

Ahead of their showdown, Sabalenka said: "I think it's a cool idea, you know. I think it's gonna be spectacular to watch. It's going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick.

"Like he said in another interview, that I genuinely think that I'm going to win, and I'll definitely go out there, and I'll try my best to kick his a**."

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