Kyrgios: 'I don't understand how Djokovic escaped defeat'

Australia Tennis player Nick Kyrgios found it hard to believe when Novak Djokovic won the third set in his match against Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the Australian Open, despite being down 4-5, 0-40.

After winning the first set 6-3, Djokovic lost the game to his home opponent and lost 4-6 in the second set. In the third set, Nole was in a corner when he was down 0-40 in the deciding game. Despite Popyrin's excitement, Djokovic still calmly won three points in a row, before saving another set-point to escape in game 10. After that, Djokovic broke Popyrin's will by winning the tie-break with a score of 7-4.

"Somehow Djokovic survived," Kyrgios said, commentating for Eurosport . "I don't know how he did it. Djokovic has always been dominant against Australians at Grand Slams. The third set meant so much to Popyrin and could have decided the match. Popyrin will be haunted by the four missed set points for weeks. There are moments you have to fight for hours to get."

Novak Djokovic receives the ball during his match against home player Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open on January 17. Photo: AFP

Kyrgios is not playing this year due to injury. The Australian is currently a commentator for Eurosport . Unlike many years ago, Kyrgios now has a close relationship with Djokovic - who he has previously criticized. "I don't want to say anything against Djokovic, but Popyrin was the better player for most of the match."

Djokovic also admitted after the match that his opponent played better in the second and third sets. After Nole turned defeat into victory in the third set, Popyrin was exhausted both mentally and physically. Kyrgios's fellow Australian lost quickly in the fourth set with a score of 3-6 and was eliminated in the second round.

Kyrgios also pointed out why Djokovic played worse than usual. "He's slower than usual," said the 28-year-old. "Djokovic has a bad wrist and he seems to have the flu. He'll make the most of a day off. Djokovic can play badly and still win, and that's the important thing. Sometimes you wake up and you have a Grand Slam match. But you have to keep going, and Djokovic is the best at that."

Djokovic suffered a wrist injury at the United Cup earlier this month. The defending champion later said he was fine and ready for the Australian Open. However, Nole's performances in the first two rounds have not reassured fans. He lost two sets in the tournament and spent more than seven hours playing. Djokovic's next opponent is Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who has been in good form, defeating veterans Andy Murray and Gael Monfils in just three sets.

Vy Anh

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