'Big Three Are Not Normal, I'm More Relatable': Kyrgios On Influence Among Fans

| by Nurein Ahmed

Nick Kyrgios described his personality and social media influence as 'relatable' among tennis fans than the sport's famed trio of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

In an episode of Hotboxin' podcast hosted by retired professional boxer Mike Tyson, Kyrgios revealed why he started to take his social media following much more seriously these days. With 4.2 million followers on Instagram, Kyrgios boasts the second-highest following among male players outside the Big 3, behind only Carlos Alcaraz.

Kyrgios gloats on how his popularity grew considerably beyond tennis-related discourses due to his openness to talk about his afflictions. The 28-year-old argues he is more relatable and accessible to his fans and the public purely from moments that mirror them.

Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have been the golden standard among up-and-coming professionals on the lower circuit due to their champion's mentality and charisma. The trio have dominated the sport in the past two decades, amassing a combined 66 Slams between them.

Nick Kyrgios Reacts To Being Called 'Dennis Rodman Of Tennis'
Nick Kyrgios Reacts To Being Called 'Dennis Rodman Of Tennis'

Kyrgios, however, explains that the Big 3 'are not reachable' to their audience, hence why he's always been the player who connects to the fans outside the tennis courts. But he understands it is more of a love-hate relationship with the fans on social media.

"On social media, I have, you know, one of the largest followings outside of the big three, and I feel like that’s been a big driver for me. I realized how many kids were actually looking up to me."

"I’m just relatable. Like, I am normal guy who makes normal issues. You know, I’ve had moments where I was drinking too much. I feel like I have very relatable problems. The following, I feel that now. Like, wherever I go, I know I’m playing for a lot of people, which is cool. Because, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, they are not reachable for a lot of people. Like these guys are not normal."

"I’ve been on the tour for 10 years so, I feel like my fan base is pretty solid. A lot of people hate me though, and that’s alright. Secretly love."

'Djokovic Is GOAT, But Federer Hardest To Play': Kyrgios On Big Three
'Djokovic Is GOAT, But Federer Hardest To Play': Kyrgios On Big Three

Read the full article

Just in

Look at more articles