Federer, Nadal and Djokovic snubbed as Kyrgios dubbed ‘most talented player in 10 years’

Nick Kyrgios rallies during training in Australia

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Nick Kyrgios has been labelled the “most talented player” of the last decade by seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe. Kyrgios was knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round on Thursday with a four-set defeat to Daniil Medvedev. But McEnroe had plenty of good words to say about the Australian afterwards.

Kyrgios is yet to get past the quarter-final stage at any Grand Slam tournament.

He has reached the last eight at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open but hasn’t done so since 2015.

McEnroe is desperate for the 26-year-old to fulfil his potential.

“I like Nick as a person, I coached him at the Laver Cup four times. He’s a good kid,” the American told Eurosport.

“But it’s tough to watch because he’s so talented, so great for the game. I would love to see him step up and be in the top five or six players, where I think he belongs.

“I feel bad in a way because you see him make shots like this, play points like this, look at the crowd…

“The guy brings it. I would absolutely love to see him fulfil his potential or get even close to it.”

And in a snub to world No 1 Novak Djokovic, as well as two greats of the game in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, McEnroe says Kyrgios has more tennis ability than all three players.

“Between his ears, that’s what’s missing,” he added.

“He’s got a great game. I would say tennis-wise, the most talented player I’ve seen in the last 10 years.

“But you also have to bring what it takes to compete on a day in, day out basis.”

Djokovic, Federer and Nadal are all tied on 20 Grand Slam singles titles each.

McEnroe claimed the professionalism of the trio is what sets them apart from the rest.

“Look at Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic,” McEnroe said.

“These consummate pros who do whatever it takes to win and they look at Nick, they realise he’s great for the game.

“[Kyrgios has] got a personality, he’s a smart kid, he’s a good kid, everyone likes him.

“He’s a fantastic talent but you’ve got to be able to put it together, you’ve got to be able to compete on a regular basis and unfortunately Nick hasn’t been able to do that for a while.”

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