Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios best bits – Jannik Sinner ‘the new Novak Djokovic’, ‘Dr Octopus’ Daniil Medvedev and more

Check out the best bits here from the Wimbledon 2022 finalist…

The Australian said: “The changes he [coach Darren Cahill] has made in his [Sinner’s] game and the willingness for Sinner to give him a try has now elevated him to the top of the sport.

“He’s beaten Novak – no one has done [that] here in so long. In that fashion as well, Novak didn’t even create one break point.

“I love the fact that Sinner compared; him and Novak play similar, and I can see it. After today, I think Sinner could be the new Novak.

“Alcaraz has got that X-factor and more flamboyant in his game style, but Sinner is solid.

“It’s brutal [a Slam final]. I slept about two or three hours on those two nights because I always had doubts. Why am I doing this, why am I training, why am I doing these gym and rehab sessions? Everything makes sense. The moment you are preparing for that final and walking out there, every sacrifice you’ve ever made, makes sense for that moment.

“He’s going to be feeling so many different emotions and it was so much fun. I’m looking forward to what he brings, and best of luck, young fella.”

At the business end of the third set, what will likely be the rally of the tournament occurred, and Kyrgios reacted.

“Noooo! He’s arrived! Dr Octopus has arrived! That was a joke. A joke, a joke. It’s scary. Scary.”

And late in the fourth set, Kyrgios shared another nickname for the Russian as he advanced for a net put-away…

“There he is! The Slim Reaper! We’re deep into the night. And you’re asking me if he can volley?

“Medvedev loves these graveyard shifts; loves going deep into the night.”

Zverev came close to concluding the match in the third set, before Medvedev managed to sneak it and extend the match.

“There’s nothing like this sport in the world,” Kyrgios said. “Zverev was three points away from a Grand Slam final, and now potentially has to be out here for another hour and a half.

“You wonder why people like me have lost my marbles playing this sport.”

Kyrgios also had his say on the dynamic of on-court coaching, and why that makes Rafael Nadal and Djokovic go up even further in his estimation.

He said: “With the rule changes now that coaches can speak to the players, it’s a bit easier because you have that extra pair of eyes always surveying, and giving you hints.

“Back when there was none of that, that was the beauty of tennis. Now Medvedev has lost the first two sets and he’s now realised [he’s] lost [his] legs a bit, and can’t keep going like this, so he’s made that adjustment. Now we’re starting to see a shift in who is the more dominant player? It’s such a cool thing. It’s not easy.

“That’s why Novak’s been the best for so long; I’ve never seen a player be able to weather the storm like Novak. Whether he’s playing bad, or tired, or not feeling it. He’s always looking to adapt and move and change. It’s insane. It’s hard to argue.

“You look at Rafa and the dominance he had, or had on clay. Arguably the most dominant force of any sport.

“It’s hard to argue that Novak isn’t the best.”