Kyrgios blasts ‘idiotic’ Djokovic US Open question as Serb quizzed over outburst

Novak Djokovic on course for 24th grand slam

Nick Kyrgios has hit out at what he deemed to be an “idiotic” question that was posed to Novak Djokovic during his US Open post-match press conference on Tuesday. The Serb set up a semi-final clash with Ben Shelton after defeating Taylor Fritz 6-1 6-4 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium, but his run at the tournament has not come without its own contentious moments.

In the previous round against Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo, the 36-year-old launched into a tirade at his own box despite the comfortable win. He was visibly frustrated at his inability to put Gojo away as quickly as he would have liked, often leaning on his support team in those moments of rage.

When asked to reflect on why he subjects his team to such outbursts after victory over Fritz, Djokovic explained: “Who is not difficult? Yeah I mean look, I care about this profession and I take it very seriously, so I know that a lot of the other players do too and we expect the highest dedication and involvement from our team members as our team members and coaches expect from us.

“The intensity is there in the heat of the battle. Obviously, a lot of different things keep me down on the court but overall we are a team and we are sticking together through good times, bad times and I am grateful that I have the team that I have. We have had some tremendous success in the last couple of years.

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“I am pleased with where I stand and yeah, I can be difficult but who is not again? I don’t know a player playing on the highest level that is easy-going or everything is flowers and music. It has to be challenging for everyone, for the player and for the coaching staff, otherwise there is no growth and that’s the way to push each other to the limit, really understand how you can develop the game, how you can become better on and off the court.”

While Djokovic produced a detailed explanation for why he demands so much of his team, Kyrgios was unhappy with the question. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Typical idiotic question. The guy is arguably the greatest athlete of all time. Clearly has never been in competition of a decent level in his life.”

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It is not the first time that Djokovic has been forced to defend his angry conversations with his box, after heated conversations against Gojo. “They keep me sharp, I keep them sharp,” he said.

“I demand the most focus from my team and they do the same for me. In the heat of the moment, a lot of fun words come out.

“Coaching is allowed this year to some extent and obviously when I am on that side I try to communicate with them, which is not always the most efficient way and easiest way, but it helps.”

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