Nick Kyrgios, the former world No. 13, is returning to competitive tennis with a refreshing perspective. Ahead of the Brisbane International, he expressed that his focus is not on titles but rather on providing entertainment and embracing his identity as “a chaotic mess.” Speaking candidly, Kyrgios emphasized the importance of keeping the sport exciting for fans who seek drama and spectacle, regardless of match outcomes.
Kyrgios Reflects on His Role in Tennis
During an interview, Kyrgios said, “I don’t want to be one of those guys who hangs around the sport for way too long and leaves a sour taste in your mouth.” At just 30 years old, he believes he still has much to offer. “I’ve been selling out stadiums around the world,” he noted, highlighting the demand for his unique brand of entertainment in the sport.
With a career marked by ups and downs, Kyrgios has been sidelined by injuries in recent years, particularly affecting his right knee and wrist. This setback followed his impressive performance in 2022, when he reached the Wimbledon final and advanced to the quarter-finals at the US Open, pushing Novak Djokovic to four sets in the final match.
However, after a series of exhibition matches, including a much-discussed “Battle of the Sexes” with Aryna Sabalenka, Kyrgios feels revitalized. He stated that he is in better physical and mental shape compared to the previous year, which he attributes to his rigorous training and competitive experiences. “I feel like, no matter how much time I take off, or what events I play… I’m always in the media for something,” he remarked, acknowledging his enduring presence in the spotlight.
Preparing for the Brisbane International
Looking ahead to the Brisbane International, where he will face Aleksandar Kovacevic, Kyrgios is also set to compete in doubles with his friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, who is making his own comeback from major surgery. Kyrgios has expressed a desire to evaluate his physical condition during the tournament before committing to the Australian Open, where tournament director Craig Tiley has discussed the possibility of providing him with a wildcard.
“This is a great test,” he remarked, indicating the importance of this week in determining his future participation in tournaments. He emphasized that his decision will depend on how his body responds to the competition. “If I’m able to get through Brisbane and feel pretty solid about my performance and my body, then, yeah, I’m happy to tag on,” he explained.
Kyrgios is also mindful of the implications of taking a wildcard spot that might benefit a younger player. He recalled how an injury to John Millman opened the door for his own grand-slam debut at Roland-Garros twelve years ago. “There are days when I look at myself in the mirror, and I’m like, ‘Do I really want to go out there and train?’” he admitted, reflecting on the pressures of the sport. “I’m never going to play a full schedule again, that’s for sure. But anytime there’s a tournament in your backyard, you’ve got to try and take that opportunity.”
Kyrgios’s return is not just a personal journey; it represents a broader narrative in tennis, where fans crave excitement and unpredictability. His commitment to entertaining the crowd, regardless of the final score, may just be what the sport needs at this juncture.
