Novak Djokovic haunted by Nick Kyrgios, World No 292 and 9 different gamers
Novak Djokovic is taken into account by many to be the best tennis participant of all time, however 11 of his friends can declare a profitable file over the Serb regardless of his dominance lately. The 36-year-old has gained extra Grand Slams than some other participant however with a number of gamers getting the higher of him, the self-confessed perfectionist could harbour some resentment at sure stars having an edge. Here, Express Sport has regarded on the gamers who’ve overwhelmed Djokovic extra instances than they’ve misplaced in opposition to him.
Nick Kyrgios
Djokovic’s most well-known conflict in opposition to Nick Kyrgios got here within the 2022 Wimbledon ultimate. The Serb was topped champion at SW19 for the seventh time following a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory nevertheless it was his first win over the Aussie of their three conferences.
Kyrgios was 2-0 in opposition to Djokovic of their two earlier conferences however there’s a likelihood for Djokovic to tie general, as Kyrgios is making ready to return from his long-term damage subsequent 12 months, although the Australian Open will come too soon.
Marat Safin
Russian star Mara Safin claimed victories in each of his matches in opposition to Djokovic. Safin’s service sport proved troublesome for a lot of opponents however a youthful Djokovic couldn’t deal with Safin, taking place 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 in 2005 after which crashed out to the identical opponent at Wimbledon three years later.
Jiri Vesely
Jiri Vesely is ranked World No 292 however has claimed two scalps over Djokovic lately and curiously has by no means misplaced to the 24-time Major winner. Safin’s wins got here in opposition to a Djokovic who was new to the sport, however Vesely defeated him in 2016 and 2022 throughout his peak years.
Fernando Gonzalez
Early in Djokovic’s profession he struggled in opposition to Chilean star Fernando Gonzalez. At his first few ATP Tour occasions, Djokovic misplaced to Gonzalez in Cincinnati and Madrid, however was capable of declare revenge in 2006 on the French Open.
At the main, Djokovic got here out on prime in a gruelling five-set match however will finish his profession with a shedding file in opposition to Gonzalez – who retired in 2012.
Andy Roddick
American star Andy Roddick has performed in opposition to Djokovic on 9 events, greater than any participant on this listing, and nonetheless holds a profitable file. The Serb seemingly struggles extra in opposition to huge servers, as Roddick defeated him on 5 separate events.
Djokovic did seem to have discovered find out how to play in opposition to the 2003 US Open winner in direction of the tip of Roddick’s profession, profitable their ultimate two matches, earlier than he give up professionally in 2012 having gotten the higher of Djokovic.
Ivo Karlovic
Another highly effective server got here out on prime in opposition to Djokovic, as Croatian Ivo Karlovic took two wins and misplaced on only one event all through his profession in opposition to the reigning Australian, French and US Open champion.
Karlovic was measured at six foot and 11 inches and is the joint-tallest ranked tennis participant in historical past. He surpassed 10,000 aces in his profession and that service means helped him to a profitable file over Djokovic.
Antony Dupuis
Frenchman Antony Dupuis by no means received previous the third spherical in any Grand Slam, however beat Djokovic of their solely assembly in 2005. He grew to become the primary French participant to ever beat Djokovic earlier than retiring in 2006 after he examined constructive for a banned substance and was handed a two-and-a-half-month suspension.
Dan Evans
Dan Evans is the one Brit to have overwhelmed Djokovic extra instances than struggling defeat, claiming a stunning win of their solely assembly on the Monte Carlo Masters in 2022.
Djokovic had saved Evans ready earlier than arriving on the court docket, however admitted that Djokovic’s lateness “fired up” Evans earlier than making the largest win of his profession.
Dennis van Scheppingen
Dennis van Scheppingen’s highest-ever rating was World No 72 however can boast that he gained his solely assembly with Djokovic. At a Bangkok match in 2004, the Dutchman claimed a 4-6 7-5 6-4 victory earlier than retiring 4 years later having by no means confronted the Serb once more.