Tennis great Andy Roddick believes controversial Australian firefighter Nick Kyrgios is as talented as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Last month, Kyrgios announced when he will return to the pitch after a two-year absence – revealing he only wants to spend a very short time in the game before moving on with his life.
Injuries have sidelined the former Wimbledon finalist for a long time, leaving many wondering if the freakish talent would ever return to the sport.
The 29-year-old says he will be back for the World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi from December 19 to 22.
That will give him ample time to prepare for another Australian Open assault, where he previously claimed the doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Roddick, who hasn’t always had the best relationship with Kyrgios, has surprisingly placed him alongside the so-called Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer when it comes to raw ability.
Andy Roddick believes firefighter Nick Kyrgios (pictured) is as talented as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
The Big Three of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are widely regarded as the greatest players of all time
“He’s great,” he said on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast.
“He’s one of the few guys I’ve seen who is on par with the Big Three in terms of talent.
“He has so much talent in his hands, in his tennis IQ, in the way he sees the game.”
‘I would go back in a heartbeat without thinking twice if I could have his play and my ability to tolerate pain.
‘We would have been a good player.’
Roddick went on to say he thinks Kyrgios – perhaps Australia’s most polarizing athlete – is good for the sport.
“I wish he was there more,” Roddick said.
‘I would like to see him in full flight, committed to making the right decisions for three years. He’s great.’
Former world number 1 Andy Roddick (pictured) described Nick Kyrgios as ‘amazing’
Nick Kyrgios (pictured with girlfriend Costeen) is perhaps Australia’s most polarizing athlete
Kyrgios has worked as a commentator during his enforced break from the sport and has previously spoken of his desire to retire early.
But he returns with a vengeance, putting out a call for videographers to document his return and revealing he has a point to prove.
“I’m coming back because something keeps me in the game,” he told News Corp.
‘I’ve beaten almost everyone in front of me, reached the final of a Grand Slam, won a doubles title in a Grand Slam, won multiple titles and made money.
‘But I think the only thing on my mind now is a Grand Slam. I think this is the one thing that will ultimately shut people up.
“That will be my deep motivation.”
Kyrgios has earned a reputation as a rabble-rouser due to his combustible nature in court, including being fined $166,714 by the ATP for a vulgar, expletive-filled rant at the Cincinnati Masters and even dragging Hollywood star Ben Stiller into a feud with a heckler.
Kyrgios has confirmed he will play at the Australian Open next January
The talented Australian has played just one competitive match in two years
But the Australian insists he is misunderstood.
“I think I was branded that just because I was a little bit outside the circle of what a normal tennis player is,” he said.
“I don’t think I carry that perception with the Australian public anymore. But at the beginning of my career, people thought I was a murderer.’
With his return planned, Kyrgios was also asked about his eventual retirement and his answer was very different from the previous times when he has hinted at hanging up the racket early.
“Honestly, I’m nowhere near done,” he said.
‘I’m in the later stages of my career, but I still have one or two years to go… I’m feeling extremely good.
“I’m hitting about three hours a day now. My wrist from the operation has completely healed and I feel motivated.’