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via Reuters

via Reuters

Novak Djokovic‘s phenomenal on-court prowess and achievements have undoubtedly earned him acclaim from the public. Even within the spheres of the men’s tour, Nick Kyrgios is also a huge admirer of the Serbian tennis star’s unconventional shots and techniques. While singing the praise of his close friend, the controversial tennis player recently issued a bold assertion about the American tennis veteran, Pete Sampras.

Now that he is on the sidelines owing to his injury woes, Kygrios has been talking about a number of topics in the tennis realm as an analyst. Reminiscing about one of Sampras’ past encounters, the Aussie recently opened up about how Djokovic would “destroy” the American tennis veteran on the court.

Nick Kygrios on what Novak Djokovic would do to Pete Sampras

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In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, the ‘bad boy of tennis’ was asked about his views on the classic 2001 US Open encounter between Lleyton Hewitt and Pete Sampras. The American tennis veteran, who was once ranked number 1 for 286 weeks on the tour, was thumped by Hewitt in a three-set match, 7-6, 6-1, 6-1.

While issuing his candid take on the classic match of the US Open, Kygrios said, “He made Sampras look like sh*t. And what would Djokovic do to someone like Sampras? It would be a cleanup.” The Aussie asserted that if the former Australian tennis player did that, then Djokovic would destroy the 14-time singles Grand Slam champion.

“If Hewitt was doing it, Djokovic would destroy him. He would eat him alive,” Kygrios said about his 2022 Wimbledon final opponent. Aside from Sampras, the Aussie also opened up about how some other yesteryear legends also stand no chance against the 24-time singles Grand Slam champion.

Kygrios on how Djokovic would be a formidable force against yesteryear legends

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In the same interview, the controversial tennis player asserted that the game was ‘so slow’ during the 80s and 90s era of men’s tennis. Kygrios said candidly that he has witnessed the likes of Boris Becker and other former tennis pros serving at 197 to 200 km per hour.

READ MORE- Novak Djokovic and His Weirdest Beliefs – From Telepathy to Magical Water, How Does It Help Him Clinch 24 Grand Slams?

However, the Aussie went on to say that it is “a whole different ball game” when compared to the modern era, as players like him serve 220 consistently to corners. Notably, in a hypothetical matchup against Djokovic, Kygrios asserted that these former tennis players need to serve at 220. Anything less than 220 on the court against his Serb colleague, the Aussie added, “Bro, Djokovic eats you alive.”

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What do you think of the Australian tennis player’s assertions about Djokovic being a formidable force against yesteryear legends? Let us know in the comments section.

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