— Regardless of one’s sentiments toward him, Nick Kyrgios undeniably brings excitement to the world of tennis, and his anticipated return to Grand Slam competitions at the Australian Open is expected to uplift the sport — at least that’s his assertion.
“People follow sports for the personalities they can relate to. It’s a form of drama, a theatrical experience. For me, returning personally adds an element of unpredictability. I enjoy that thrill; stepping onto the court, I can’t be sure whether my actions will be viewed as controversial, positively or negatively,” stated Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, during an interview on Friday. This statement came as he expressed optimism about his capacity to compete, despite a recent abdominal issue.
The 29-year-old Australian athlete, donning a green hat in support of his favorite NBA team, the reigning Boston Celtics, acknowledged that his career has had its ups and downs, yet he believes these moments have contributed significantly to the overall excitement in tennis.
As the action begins at Melbourne Park on Sunday (Saturday EST), Kyrgios is expected to capture considerable attention from fans, media, and fellow athletes, provided his fitness allows it. Throughout 2023 and the start of 2024, he has managed only one singles match due to various knee and wrist issues. However, following a practice session on Friday morning, he sounded optimistic, suggesting he might be prepared for his first major tournament in over two years.
“It feels good to return. I think it is crucial. The sport seemed to be missing a bit of sparkle,” Kyrgios remarked.
No matter the public’s view of Kyrgios — which tends to invoke strong reactions both in favor and against — it is indisputable that he is anything but unexciting.
His on-court presence is characterized by booming serves, between-the-legs shots, lively exchanges with chair umpires and fans, racket tosses, and notable meltdowns. Off the court, he remains in the spotlight, notably when he avoided conviction for a common assault charge after admitting to pushing a former girlfriend to the ground during a 2021 dispute. Additionally, his opinions often stir controversy, whether through television commentary or remarks at press conferences, including recent comments about doping allegations involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.
“I’m aware that my honesty doesn’t sit well with everyone,” Kyrgios admitted recently.
The last significant tournament Kyrgios participated in was the 2022 U.S. Open. He made a return to competitions last week during the Brisbane International, where he featured in one singles match and teamed up with Novak Djokovic for two doubles matches.
Among his fellow players, there is a consensus regarding Kyrgios’ talent, as evidenced by Jordan Thompson’s comments on Friday: “If he’s in shape, he’s absolutely a contender.”
Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion who has been a three-time runner-up at Melbourne Park, expressed support for Kyrgios’s return, noting that a healthy Kyrgios would undoubtedly benefit the sport.
“I would be thrilled to see him compete against Carlos (Alcaraz) and Jannik (Sinner). His serve is his greatest weapon, and he possesses undeniable skill,” Medvedev added. “I would be delighted to see him back in action.”
