“When Novak goes, that era is completely gone” : Nick Kyrgios wants Novak Djokovic to compete for a long time to fill in the void left by Nadal and Federer

Novak Djokovic started his 2026 season on a concerning note, as he announced his withdrawal from the Adelaide Open. The ATP 250 event in Adelaide was the only warm-up event for the Serb ahead of the 2026 Australian Open. Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios hopes to see the Serb on the tour for a longer time.

Nick Kyrgios also returned to action at the Adelaide Open this week, where he was defeated by Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets n the first round. The Australian stated that it would be good for the sport if Novak can hang around for a longer time, given that the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have now both retired.

If Novak Djokovic wins the 2026 Australian Open, he would claim his 25th major title, the most in singles history in the modern era. Nick Kyrgios believes that there is certainly something which the Serb is chasing, which is still keeping him on the tour. He also believes that the retirement of Nadal and Federer have already left a void on the tour.

“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. 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,” he added.

Novak Djokovic has quashed any retirement thoughts, stating that he could compete until the 2028 LA Olympics, where he would defend his Singles gold medal. The Serb has not won a single Major since his 2023 US Open title, reaching the semifinals of all four majors last season.