‘It’d be a disaster’ declares Nick Kyrgios on Australian Open without ‘Big Three’

The reality of none of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic playing the 2022 Australian Open would be ‘a disaster’ according to Nick Kyrgios. 

Federer is already out due to injury, while Nadal in uncertain after contracting Covid. Djokovic, meanwhile, is also not certain to play with his vaccination status still unknown.

Now, Nick Kyrgios, one of a handful of players to have wins over all three men, has said he hopes Nadal and Djokovic can play in Melbourne.

“I honestly don’t know Novak [Djokovic’s] current situation with anything Covid-related or what he needs to play,” Kyrgios told The Melbourne Age.

“I hope he’s had a good Christmas and I hope he’s able to play in the sport for as long as possible because I’ve voiced before I think Federer, Nadal and Djokovic need to be (playing).

“If all three aren’t there, it’s a disaster. It’s an absolute disaster for the fans and the people that enjoy tennis.

“Yes, it’s obviously a good opportunity for some of the younger guys to come through and make an impact, but as a whole, we do need them to be part of the sport.”

Should neither Djokovic nor Nadal compete come 17th January it would be a first during the ‘Big Three’ era.

At least one of Federer, Nadal or Djokovic has taken part at every Major starting from the 2000 Australian Open, when Federer made his debut at the event as an 18-year-old.

As a result, the 2022 Australian Open would also be won by someone not in the ‘Big Three’ for the first time since 2014, and just the second time since 2004.

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