Novak Djokovic haunted by Nick Kyrgios, World No 292 and nine others | Tennis | Sport
Novak Djokovic is considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time, but 11 of his peers can claim a winning record over the Serb despite his dominance in recent years. The 36-year-old has won more Grand Slams than any other player but with several players getting the better of him, the self-confessed perfectionist may harbour some resentment at certain stars having an edge. Here, Express Sport has looked at the players who have beaten Djokovic more times than they have lost against him.
Nick Kyrgios
Djokovic’s most famous clash against Nick Kyrgios came in the 2022 Wimbledon final. The Serb was crowned champion at SW19 for the seventh time following a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory but it was his first win over the Aussie in their three meetings.
Kyrgios was 2-0 against Djokovic in their two previous meetings but there is a chance for Djokovic to tie overall, as Kyrgios is preparing to return from his long-term injury next year, although the Australian Open will come too soon.
Marat Safin
Russian star Mara Safin claimed victories in both of his matches against Djokovic. Safin’s service game proved troublesome for many opponents but a youthful Djokovic could not handle Safin, going down 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 in 2005 and then crashed out to the same opponent at Wimbledon three years later.
Jiri Vesely
Jiri Vesely is ranked World No 292 but has claimed two scalps over Djokovic in recent years and curiously has never lost to the 24-time Major winner. Safin’s wins came against a Djokovic who was new to the game, but Vesely defeated him in 2016 and 2022 during his peak years.
Fernando Gonzalez
Early in Djokovic’s career he struggled against Chilean star Fernando Gonzalez. At his first few ATP Tour events, Djokovic lost to Gonzalez in Cincinnati and Madrid, but was able to claim revenge in 2006 at the French Open.
At the major, Djokovic came out on top in a gruelling five-set match but will end his career with a losing record against Gonzalez – who retired in 2012.
Andy Roddick
American star Andy Roddick has played against Djokovic on nine occasions, more than any player on this list, and still holds a winning record. The Serb seemingly struggles more against big servers, as Roddick defeated him on five separate occasions.
Djokovic did appear to have figured out how to play against the 2003 US Open winner towards the end of Roddick’s career, winning their final two matches, before he quit professionally in 2012 having gotten the better of Djokovic.
Ivo Karlovic
Another powerful server came out on top against Djokovic, as Croatian Ivo Karlovic took two wins and lost on just one occasion throughout his career against the reigning Australian, French and US Open champion.
Karlovic was measured at six foot and 11 inches and is the joint-tallest ranked tennis player in history. He surpassed 10,000 aces in his career and that service ability helped him to a winning record over Djokovic.
Antony Dupuis
Frenchman Antony Dupuis never got past the third round in any Grand Slam, but beat Djokovic in their only meeting in 2005. He became the first French player to ever beat Djokovic before retiring in 2006 after he tested positive for a banned substance and was handed a two-and-a-half-month suspension.
Dan Evans
Dan Evans is the only Brit to have beaten Djokovic more times than suffering defeat, claiming a surprising win in their only meeting at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2022.
Djokovic had kept Evans waiting before arriving at the court, but admitted that Djokovic’s lateness “fired up” Evans before making the biggest win of his career.
Dennis van Scheppingen
Dennis van Scheppingen’s highest-ever ranking was World No 72 but can boast that he won his only meeting with Djokovic. At a Bangkok tournament in 2004, the Dutchman claimed a 4-6 7-5 6-4 victory before retiring four years later having never faced the Serb again.
