Carlos Alcaraz 'has that flair and X-factor' of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, says Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios has endured a tough few years off the court due to injury, but he believes the world of tennis is in good hands. The Australian star has revealed his belief that Carlos Alcaraz has the same "X-factor" as tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The 30-year-old has also tipped the Spaniard to come out on top at Wimbledon this year.

Alcaraz into last four at Queen’s with straight-sets win over Rinderknech

Video credit: SNTV

Nick Kyrgios believes Carlos Alcaraz has the same "X-factor" that tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic possessed in their prime.

The Spaniard won the fifth Grand Slam of his career at the 2025 French Open earlier this month, beating long-term rival Jannik Sinner in an instant Roland-Garros classic.

Alcaraz will now turn his attention to Wimbledon, where he is hoping to win his third title in a row, having come out on top in 2023 and 2024.

Tennis

'Hope to see you next year' - Djokovic pulls out of Paris Masters, ATP FInals uncertain

21/10/2025 at 21:43

Kyrgios has not played at the tournament since falling to a heartbreaking defeat against Djokovic in the 2022 final, and he will miss Wimbledon for the third year in a row after suffering another injury.

However, the Aussie believes Alcaraz and Sinner will provide plenty of entertainment despite his absence.

"It’s pretty obvious those two are going to be juggernauts of the sport for the next 10 or 15 years," he told The Guardian.

"They pushed each other to a level that not many have played before. I think Alcaraz has that flair and X-factor of Federer, Nadal and Novak.

"Sinner is incredibly powerful, but Alcaraz will be up there with those greats."

Kyrgios even tipped Alcaraz to come out on top at Wimbledon this year.

"I’ve got to say Alcaraz," he said when asked who he thought would be victorious on the iconic grass courts next month.

Kyrgios comments on Wimbledon heartbreak

The Australian has endured a tough three years since falling to defeat against Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon in 2022.

His appearance at this year's Australian Open was his first and only outing at a Grand Slam since the beginning of 2023.

Highlights: Alcaraz overpowers Sinner in classic Roland-Garros final

Video credit: TNT Sports

He was set to play doubles at the French Open, but another injury ruled him out.

The 30-year-old admits he still thinks about his defeat to Djokovic in 2022, which is the closest he has come to winning a Grand Slam.

"It was only a couple of points here and there where, if I’d acted a bit differently, I would have had a Wimbledon title," he said.

"But there’s no shame in losing to the greatest of all time.

"Do I think about it often? Yes. Do I think about what I could have changed? Yes. Could I have prepared better? No. I prepared amazingly."

Since that defeat, Kyrgios and Djokovic have played doubles together at the Brisbane International.

Kyrgios had previously said that Djokovic had a sick desire to be liked during a 2019 appearance on the No Challenges Remaining podcast.

The doubles match put the beef between the pair to bed and the Australian insists that the Serbian star cares less about what people think of him these days.

"He’s way more comfortable in his own skin now," he added. "I think he did want the crowd to love him, but he enjoys being the villain.

"He finds energy when people heckle him. He’s the greatest tennis player of all time so he wouldn’t care as much what people think now.

"We have respect for each other and we are proof that different personalities can make it to the top and you don’t have to have everyone liking you."

Watch and stream top tennis action on TNT Sports and discovery+

Tennis

Djokovic apologises after retiring from Six Kings tie with Fritz, Sinner bests Alcaraz in final

18/10/2025 at 23:04

Tennis

Sinner reveals he 'looks up to' Djokovic and Alcaraz

18/10/2025 at 14:31

Thoughts?