Australian tennis great Wally Masur believes Nick Kyrgios is one of the greatest threats to Novak Djokovic’s winning ways.
Djokovic extended his practically unbeaten record Down Under, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to claim the Australian Open title on Sunday night.
By taking out the championship, Djokovic has tied Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 grand slam titles.
Asked if anyone could possibly bring down the Serbian star, Masur believes Kyrgios has the raw talent and diverse skills required.
“Yes, I think Nick Kyrgios can,” he told Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.
“When I was watching Stefanos (in the final), I just felt like you’ve got to have more ways to win points (against Djokovic) and I think Nick has more ways.”
With the victory, Djokovic also jumped four positions to reclaim the world No.1 ranking from teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz.
With a wealth of young talent waiting in the wings of the top 30, Masur says there are plenty of potential successors, but they are going to have to work for the chance.
Djokovic overcomes Kyrgios in Wimbledon finale
“There are players that can do it but you’ve got to have unbelievable firepower. There are a few of those players around, but they’ve [still] got to put it together on the big stage,” he said.
“I’ll be interested to see what Alcaraz can do, (Jannik) Sinner is improving all the time, Frances Tiafoe – there are players I feel with enough weaponry and I think that is really the key.
“You’ve got to have enough weaponry.
“I don’t want time to beat these great champions. The only thing that defeats them at the moment is time.
“I want the next generation to step up and beat them but it’s not proving too easy.”
By making the final, Tsitspas also rose a rank to third.
Tsitsipas and Djokovic have now faced each other 13 times, including in the final at Roland-Garros in 2021, with Djokovic walking away the winner on 11 occasions.
“I think for Stefanos, he needs a little more versatility on that backhand win,” Masur said regarding what the 24-year-old needs to fix to conquer Djokovic.
Double fault costs Tsitsipas first break
“I’m not saying his top-spin backhand has to get better, but I think there needs to be a little more variety – certainly with the slice, the ability to block returns, to change the pace and direction of play, and change the shape of a rally with his splice.
“I don’t think he is doing that quite well enough and it’s a bit of an escape valve for Novak to get through.”
With the Australian Open now crowned, all eyes turn to Roland-Garros in May where a record-breaking 23rd major title could be awarded – either to Nadal or Djokovic.
Roland-Garros 2023. Every Match. Ad-free. Centre Court coverage in 4K UHD on Stan Sport
“On clay [it’s a] different game altogether,” Masur said.
“Holger Rune can play well on clay, hopefully, Alcaraz is back fit and well.”
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