Kyrgios: "Tennis was becoming a bit tedious, it's good that it has returned"

Carlos Navarro | 10 Jan 2025 | 02.04

Nick Kyrgios. Source: Getty

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Nick Kyrgios has been the standout figure in the characteristic Media Day before each Grand Slam. It was not a press conference full of explosive statements, as he usually leads, but he did share very interesting insights and we have been able to understand some things that exist behind the mask, with an emphasis on his confidence when stepping onto the court and a previous conclusion to this Australian Open 2025: he still believes he can defeat any racket on the circuit.

- Feelings in his preparation for the Australian Open and after his return to the circuit

"It is clear that I had a very good return, I would say a successful return, in Brisbane. I had a great time. It is clear that 'doubling' the best of all time in doubles was something that was not on my résumé. Now it is. I also had a great singles match against one of the most confident players on the circuit.

I went home for a couple of days and trained a bit more, there I felt something in the abdomen. This morning I felt pretty good out there. I will also train a bit this afternoon to see how I feel. I still have three more days before the tournament starts, taking it day by day. I am enjoying every moment, being part of the tournament, going through the locker room, seeing everyone again; these have been very emotional weeks for me, and I am really enjoying being back."

- Dealing mentally with an injury and the process of coming back

"I feel that when you are injured, people think you are not playing as much and not doing as much, but in reality, you are doing a bit more. I feel like I haven't gone anywhere. Competitively, yes, but I don't feel that way. I feel like I have played more tennis than ever. I have tried to simulate the intensity of a match in training, trying to get the body accustomed because anyone who has been out due to injury knows how difficult it is to manage the loads, as you want to prepare for the intensity of a match.

That's what I've done. The feelings after Brisbane were hopeful, although my body suffered a bit. I thought I could build on that, but then I had a little setback. It's part of the game. Discomforts. I don't think anyone is at 100%. As long as I don't have something similar to the wrist issue, I think I can deal with it."

- On anti-doping protocols and whether he believes positive cases in the circuit can create anxiety for players

"I don't want to talk too much about this. We have been discussing it for a long time, it feels like the only thing that has been talked about in tennis for the past six weeks. Answering your question, I have been tested four times in the last two months. Three days ago, I was tested at my home. It has never been a problem for me, and I have been on the circuit for over 10 years. I'm not worried because I know I am in control of everything that happens in my team. I am very confident that nothing will accidentally enter my body."

- What does Nick Kyrgios bring to an event like this? What is missing in a tournament when Nick Kyrgios is not there?

"That's a good question. We watch this sport because we want personalities. What we like about tennis is that one-on-one aspect; I have always enjoyed this. You see how a person solves puzzles over four or five hours; you realize the emotions that person experiences. It's like a drama, a theater. My return raises some questions about what will happen today. I love it. Every time I step onto the court, I don't know if I will stir controversy in a good or bad way.

Throughout my career, not always good things have happened, but that has added a lot of excitement to this game. And I think it's important. There are many spectacular players on the circuit right now, but I think there isn't as much contrast of personalities. It is healthy for the circuit that I am back and playing. I've always been someone who has played my type of tennis and who hasn't changed my personality since I was 10 years old. Anyone who knows me knows that I have always behaved as I am now. It's good that I'm back. It's important; I think this sport was getting a bit tedious."

- During the time you were away and working as a commentator, did you ever fear that tennis had evolved and that perhaps it would be difficult for you to reach that level?

"There has definitely been a changing of the guard. When I was the age of Sinner or Alcaraz, when I was at one of my best levels, I had to overcome four of the greatest players of all time at their best times, seeking legendary stats for their legacy. It was very tough. I'm not saying I always played against them, but let's be honest, what are the chances of winning a Slam if you have to beat three of those guys at their peak? Practically impossible.

I feel we are going through a changing of the guard. There is an incredible batch of young players. They are fantastic talents. Look at someone like Fonseca, who is 17 or 18 years old and is playing absurd tennis. It's the future generation, and they will knock on the door very soon.

Regarding whether perhaps tennis has surpassed me, I have beaten practically anyone this sport has put against me. I will always trust in my abilities. People will say to be realistic, that I won't be the same anymore. Unfortunately, I don't have that mentality. I have complete confidence in my tennis, that if I impose my style, my unpredictability, I have opportunities against anyone. That's the attitude you need.

If I had stepped onto the court for the first time against Nadal, Djokovic, or Federer and had been realistic, I probably wouldn't have beaten them. A kid from Canberra out there, beating them... you can't be realistic. You have to think you are the best player in the world. Is that realistic? Probably not, but that's how I think when I step onto the court. If I face one of the best today, I will have that mentality; otherwise, they will beat me off the court. My confidence comes from my faith in my own abilities."

- Have you read Djokovic's statements about how he was treated when he was detained in Australia three years ago, and would you go play an exhibition with him in Belgrade?

"No, I haven't talked to him. I didn't even know about it. I maintain... we treated him like shit, that's for sure. We shouldn't have done that. I would very happily go to Belgrade. I don't even want to play tennis; I want to party in Belgrade. I want to party with Djokovic in Serbia. That would become the best thing ever."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kyrgios: "El tenis se estaba volviendo un poco tedioso, le viene bien que haya vuelto"

Nick Kyrgios