The rising star in Australian tennis, Nick Kyrgios, has never been shy to voice his opinions, on and off the court. During a podcast interview, Kyrgios revealed how he views himself differently than Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, two of his closest rivals. Kyrgios recognizes that his style of play differs from those of Djokovic and Nadal in one particular area- which is his considerable involvement in “parties” off the court! Kyrgios’ comments on the matter further highlighted his reason for not being able to reach the career heights that his colleagues have experienced in their professional journey.

Tennis players Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic were once bitter rivals. But in the last few years, their rivalry has melted into a thriving friendship off the court. However, he still does not share the same close bond with Rafael Nadal. Now, as Kyrgios opened up about the stark difference between him and the two legends’ personalities, it provides a glimpse into their contrasting lifestyles and approaches to the game throughout the peak of their professional careers.

Nick Kyrgios’s different lifestyle from Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

In contrast to his contemporaries’ strict habits and routines, Nick Kyrgios acknowledged that during the peak of his career, he relished the party scenes and participated in various distractions off-court, unlike the two finest players in tennis. “I’m late, but that’s what separates me from someone say like Novak Djokovic, or, you know, Rafael Nadal, the greatest of all time,” Kyrgios said in the latest episode of the podcast of “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von,” referring to the difference in their daily routines and constricted regime.

Kyrgios further highlighted that he has never wavered from being unabashedly himself and from breaking the stereotype of a typical professional athlete. “Like for me, I was partying a lot when I was playing, like I would play then go to the pub like and I wouldn’t. I don’t regret it, and I love the fact that like my agents on my team had to drag me out of places at like, 4 a.m. I love that s**t,” Kyrgios added.

Kyrgios’ unique approach to his personal choices while being a professional athlete sets him apart from Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. But he also confessed that the consistent dedication and determination that both Djokovic and Nadal show on and off the court is probably the reason they have achieved such success in their professional careers. “But the consistency that they’ve shown over decades is why, like, they’re having way more success than it,” he stated. Nick Krygios’ appreciation for the two greatest players of tennis, especially Novak Djokovic, has recently caught the attention of people.

Djokovic and Kyrgios’ special bond off the court

Novak Djokovic’s on-court rivalry with Nick Kyrgios has entertained many fans worldwide. However, the new friendship between the two players has recently captivated the fans. Kyrgios’s support for Djokovic at last year’s Australian Open also strengthened it further.

Also read: Stephen Curry and Novak Djokovic Exchange Heart-Felt Gesture as Roger Federer Misses Out During His Visit Last Week

“He was giving undivided support in the moments where I was being challenged a lot, and him as an Australian, I respected that a lot. Since then, our relationship has changed for the better,” Novak Djokovic recalled the time that their bond became stronger.

As Kyrgios makes waves on and off the court, his open observations serve as a reminder that diversity in an athlete’s personality and approach to the game is inevitable. But what matters is the support and appreciation for each other’s choices on and off the court, and both Kyrgios and Djokovic have done that without any hesitation.

Read more: Has Age Finally Caught up With Novak Djokovic? Embarrassing Stat Indicates the End of Reign