Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has endorsed tennis great John McEnroe’s belief Nick Kyrgios has a fear of failure and should not walk on court again until 100 per cent committed.
Asked about the Australian in the wake of Kyrgios’ second round exit at Wimbledon, McEnroe, a former world No.1 , told BBC Radio: “Is he good for the game? Yes he’s good for the game.
“Does he sell tickets? Yes. I can’t handle the fact that he only tries half the time. We can’t support that anymore.
“I don’t think he should be out there anymore unless he gives an honest effort - that’s my personal opinion.
“The guy would be top five in the world for sure if he was able to do it (give 100 per cent).
“He’s got an incredible – this is my opinion – fear of failure. He doesn’t even allow himself to train hard enough to give himself a chance.”
Djokovic liked McEnroe’s comments on an Instagram post in a subtle return serve to Kyrgios, who attacked the Serb in a rant on the No Challenges Remaining podcast.
“I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked,” Kyrgios said of Djokovic.
“He just wants to be like Roger (Federer).
“I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him.
“This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringe-worthy. It’s very cringeworthy.”
Kyrgios pushed eventual semi-finalist Rafael Nadal before falling in four sets and bowing out in the second round at Wimbledon.
McEnroe used that as proof of the Australian’s ability but lamented his lack of desire when playing lesser lights.
“You saw what he is capable of, he was driving Nadal crazy, it was the best second-round match, one of the best matches of the whole tournament,” McvEnroe said.
“But when he plays guys he’s supposed to beat, he doesn’t even show up.”