Nick Kyrgios wants Novak Djokovic to continue career 'for as long as possible' after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal retirements created 'void'
Published 06/01/2026 at 12:19 GMT
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Nick Kyrgios has implored Novak Djokovic to avoid retirement "for as long as possible" after the 24-time Grand Slam champion pulled out of the Adelaide International - his only warm-up event ahead of the 2026 Australian Open - due to feeling "not physically ready." Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th major title in Melbourne, which would see him pull clear of Margaret Court in the history books.
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Nick Kyrgios has urged Novak Djokovic to continue his career "for as long as possible" and said fans should "cherish" the fact he is still at the top of his game at the age of 38.
Djokovic played a reduced schedule in the 2025 season but still managed to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams. He is attempting to win a record 25th major title, which would see him pull clear of Margaret Court, whom he is presently tied with.
On Monday, Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the Adelaide International - his only warm-up event ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, owing to feeling "not physically ready."
In response, Kyrgios explained the significance of Djokovic continuing his playing career in light of the retirement of his former 'big three' rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
"There's obviously something there that he wants to achieve, whether it's another Grand Slam or something else," Kyrgios told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"But I think we should just cherish the fact that someone that old in our sport is still at the top of it and still gives everything to it. The longer we have guys like this around, the better it is for our sport.
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"I feel like there's been a void in the sport ever since Federer and Nadal left... and obviously when Novak goes, that era is completely gone. I want him to stay for as long as possible."
Djokovic had potentially his best chance of a record 25th Grand Slam title last year in Melbourne after defeating the now world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals to set up a last-four meeting with Alexander Zverev.
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However, after just one set against the German, the physical toll of his previous encounter forced Djokovic to retire from the match.
In his three major semi-final appearances that followed Djokovic was defeated by either Jannik Sinner or Alcaraz in a season dominated by the current men's top two.
Kyrgios defeated in Brisbane
Kyrgios, meanwhile, returned to competitive action with a first-round defeat to Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Brisbane International.
The 30-year-old has played just six ATP singles matches in an injury-ravaged three years. He was handed a wildcard in Brisbane but was beaten 6-3 6-4 in a little over an hour in front of his home crowd.
The former world No. 13 - aiming to show his fitness in hope of an Australian Open wildcard - appeared to be nursing some discomfort in his elbow during the match.
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"This is a stepping stone," Kyrgios said after the match. "As long as I feel good and I'm going to be able to try and use it as a building block, that's my goal obviously, and not just Australian Open but this year, for whatever this year holds, I do want to continue to play as much as I can."
Kyrgios is now ranked world No. 670. His most recent Grand Slam appearance came in Melbourne last year, when he entered under a protected ranking and lost to Britain's Jacob Fearnley in the opening round.
Cameron Norrie, meanwhile, progressed to the second round in Brisbane following a 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 victory over Ugo Humbert in a near-three hour contest.
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