Nick Kyrgios reveals why he hated Rafael Nadal, says Spaniard motivated him to give his best

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has revealed that he used to hate facing Rafael Nadal on the tour but didn’t feel the same hate for his biggest rivals – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The Australian said the Spaniard always motivated him to give his best on the court as he used to put in the hard yards in every practice session.

Nadal recently retired from the game after competing in the Davis Cup. The veteran won a total of 22 Grand Slam titles in his glorious career whereas Kyrgios is all set to return to action in 2025 after recovering from injury.

“I couldn’t stand him. I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around. He was one guy who always motivated me. If I played him I would get up for it and try and get the best tennis I could possibly play. I didn’t feel that anger towards Federer or Novak when I played them,” Kyrgios said on Nothing Major podcast.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist lauded Nadal for his work ethic and for his pristine dedication to keep getting better at the top level.

“If I played Rafa, because everyone in our academies back home idolized him, they were like he is such a hard worker, he’s this and that. I was like ‘I can’t stand this guy’. I wanted to show people you could just have fun and be chilled and beat people like that,” Kyrgios added.

Meanwhile, back in 2019, Kyrgios stunned Nadal in the round of 16 at the Mexican Open in three sets. The leftie said Kyrgios lacks respect for himself and opponent.

“He is a player who has huge talent, who could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for first position in the rankings. He lacks respect for the public, the opponent and himself,” Nadal said in the press conference.

In response, Kyrgios questioned Nadal for taking more time between his serve.

“That’s the way I play. That’s the way he plays. He’s very slow between points and the rule of the book says you have to play at the speed of the server.”