Novak Djokovic has played down cutting remarks made by Nick Kyrgios in a podcast last month.
The Australian firebrand, just hours before making headlines in Rome when he defaulted a match, made earlier headlines when he took aim at the likes of Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
In the incredible interview, Kyrgios slammed 15-time major winner Djokovic, labelling the "cringeworthy" Serb as someone that "just wants to be liked".
"He's an unbelievable player, he's a champion of the sport, one of the greatest we'll ever see... I reckon he will overpass [Roger] Federer," Kyrgios said of Djokovic.
"We're talking about a guy who pulled out of the Australian Open one year because it was too hot. No matter how many grand slams he wins, he will never be the greatest for me.
"I've played him twice and like, I'm sorry, but if you can't beat me, you're not the greatest of all time... always says what feels like he needs to say, never speaks his opinion."
THAT PODCAST: 'Salty' Nadal, 'cringeworthy' Djokovic: Nick Kyrgios slams rivals
Training in Belgrade ahead of his Wimbledon title defence, Djokovic suggested that "deep down" Kyrgios isn't a "bad guy".
However, the Serb was confused at why Kyrgios acted in the manner that he did, in such a public forum.
"I don't know why Kyrgios says all these things. Whether he is seeking attention or has some other motive," Djokovic said.
"He obviously wants to be sincere and transparent. It's the way he is, I respect that like I respect all other players on tour.
"He can say what he wants. I don't have a problem with it.
"Does he show me the same amount of respect that most other players do? No, he doesn't, but that's the way he communicates these days."
The Australian enjoys a 2-0 head-to-head record over Djokovic, Kyrgios winning both of their encounters in straight sets at Acapulco and Indian Wells two years ago.
However, the World No. 1 will go into the grass-court major looking to claim his 16th Grand Slam singles title, while Kyrgios is yet to reach the final four at a major.
The 32-year-old also revealed that he and Kyrgios were once close to fostering a healthy relationship, something that contributed to Djokovic's shock following the podcast drama.
"Before he unleashed this wave of criticisms against me, I actually met him off court during a US Open tournament, five years ago I think, and talked to him a bit," Djokovic said.
"It was at a time when everyone was on his case because of his antics... I offered help in the sense that I told him he could always come and talk to me if he needed to.
"I faced similar situations and the same kind of criticism for my behaviour when I was younger... something changed inside him from that point on.
"I'd never had that kind of problem with anyone else on tour, but I am not losing any sleep over it.
"I don't understand why or what happened, but I don't judge him."
