Nick Kyrgios has predicted the tennis fans will see last year’s rematch of Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
The former World #13 asserted that Djokovic is playing and moving the best as ever and tipped the Serbian to win it all in the Championship match on Sunday. Daniil Medvedev will be Alcaraz’s semifinal opponent after he prevailed against the 2024 Australian Open champion and ATP #1 Jannik Sinner in five sets in the quarters.
Alcaraz is the reigning Wimbledon and Roland Garros champion and holds a 4-2 record against Medvedev. The Spaniard dispatched World #5 in the final four at the Wimbledon Center Court a year ago.
Djokovic who received a walkover in the last 8 stage against Alex de Minaur, would face #25 seed and first-time major semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti in the semis.
The World #3 leads the Italian 5-1 in the head-to-head ATP series but this will be their first ever grass-court encounter.
Kyrgios, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 has taken up the job as a commentator and analyst for BBC and ESPN at the All England Club.
The maverick Aussie who is planning to make a comeback later this year, looked impressed by the form of his close friend and a 7-time Wimbledon champion.
“I think right now, he looks to be probably the favorite in my eyes,” Kyrgios told BBC.
“After that match against Holger Rune, he is playing and moving the best I have ever seen him. If one of the young guys can dethrone him, I am waiting for it.”
On his Instagram story, the 29-year-old posted a pre-match analysis of the Alcaraz-Medvedev semi-final and explained why he feels the Murcia-native has the edge.
“Extremely tough matchup for Medvedev, especially on the grass,” he wrote. “Allows Alcaraz to come forward and play a style of tennis that he loves – can incorporate drop shots and creativity.
“If Medvedev is to have a chance, he needs a great serving day, high 60% to low 70%, first serve percentage. He will also need to take more risk from the back of the court and dictate majority of rallies instead of being OK with having extended rallies.
“My prediction will be Alcaraz in 4-5 sets. Medvedev was rock solid against Sinner, but Sinner was so reluctant to come forward and serve and volley. Whereas Alcaraz has proved he is willing to follow the game plan to defeat ‘Meddy’.”
Kyrgios also detailed why he is favoring Djokovic against Musetti.
“Incredibly tough matchup for Musetti on the grass against the GOAT,” the seven-time ATP titlist assessed. “Executed an amazing game plan against [Taylor] Fritz in an epic five-set battle.
“Unfortunately, Novak’s willingness to come forward and attack the Musetti slice will make it incredibly hard for Musetti to play his natural game that has taken him this far on grass.
“Novak’s ground strokes will be coming in deep and flat, which will make it incredibly hard for Musetti to use his ultimate weapon – FH (forehand).
“If Musetti is to have a chance, he needs to have the best serving day of his career and play a level that few have reached. Timely drop shots and risk taking that the young Italian possesses will have to come at crucial times.
“Maintaining score board pressure and resisting the Novak all out attack will be a fun watch. Prediction, Novak in 3-4 sets.”