The 2022 Wimbledon finalist also addressed his cold relationship with the Italian, tearing into him with just three words: “I can’t stand him,” Kyrgios said during an appearance on The Unscripted Show podcast. “My relationship with him is pretty dark,” he added.

“It’s understandable after all that scandal with the doping situation — the two positive tests and everything that came after. I guess it’s normal, but yeah, there are a few guys out there I just can’t get along with, at all,” he continued.

Still, Kyrgios admitted Sinner’s level is well above most players on tour, even after losing the World No. 1 ranking to Alcaraz: “He’s a guy who’s been No. 1 in the world — there’s no doubt he’s an incredible player, someone who’s going to carry this sport for the next ten or fifteen years alongside Alcaraz,” he said.

But true to form, Kyrgios didn’t hold back on one last jab: “That doesn’t change the fact that he’s clearly being protected to some extent within the tour. The ATP’s CEO and most of the top people right now are Italian, so to me this whole story is just a load of s—”.

Kyrgios calls out WADA

When asked about Sinner’s positive tests, Kyrgios doubled down on his criticism of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for handing the Italian just a three-month suspension despite a repeat offense. “Honestly, it hurt to see how it was all handled,” he said.

He wrapped up with a biting reflection: “I followed that case closely and couldn’t believe someone who tested positive twice got off that easy. I was sitting at home thinking, ‘Damn, maybe I should’ve done the same thing!’ Just think about it — what would’ve happened if I’d done that?”

When looking at the ATP leaderboard, which shows stats from the different seasons, Rune’s return rating has gone significantly up and in that aspect of the game he ranks as number 27 in the last 52 weeks compared to number 63 in 2024.

That is something that Rune has noticed as well, and now he says that Andre Agassi loved the Dane’s return when they practised together in Washington during the summer.

‘Agassi loved my return’

Rune points out that he knew he was underperforming on his return last season, which is why he and his team were putting a lot of effort into that part of his game in the pre-season.

“I’ve always felt that my return has been really good and one of my biggest strengths. It had a bit of a downfall last year, where I didn’t return as well as I know I can. But especially in the last pre-season, we put a lot of work into the return game to improve the statistics, as you also pointed out,” Rune says and continues:

“It’s always nice to see that the things you work on are improving. I’m also starting to gain more and more confidence to put a bit more weight into my returns and try to put more pressure on the opponent’s second serve.”

Agassi was arguably the best returner of his time and still stands as one of the greatest ever in that discipline, and Rune revealed that the American in particular liked that part of his game.

“Agassi and I talked a lot about my return when we trained together. He really loved it,” he added. “As you say, he had an absolutely insane return, so we could really have some good conversations. Right now, though, I’m mostly in contact with my own team and the people who are close to me.”

Nick Kyrgios coming back would be good for tennis

“Nick Kyrgios has always been very nice to me, so we’ve always had a really good relationship. I don’t know if he’s coming back, but it would be good for tennis because he’s always had some very exciting matches.”

“His top level, back when he played against Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, was insanely high, so you have to respect that,” Rune said. “I know he’s struggling a lot with his body, so that’s probably the biggest thing he has to overcome. Whether he does or not, time will tell.”

In 2023 the two of them had an exhibition match planned, however Kyrgios was forced to cancel as he got an injury in his foot. For now, a new exhibition match is not planned between the two, but Rune seems ready for the challenge.

“We haven’t talked about a new exhibition match, although that would be fun. I ended up playing one against Monfils instead. Insanely cool guy, whom unfortunately we’ll only get to see for one more year on the Tour,” Rune ends to Bolavip.

On Friday, the Dane is facing Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry. They have faced each other three times, but only one time on the ATP Tour, which Rune won in a very close match in Basel.

In anticipation of the Battle of the Sexes showdown, set to take place in January 2026, Kyrgios shared his thoughts while speaking with Alexander Bublik, who was recently eliminated by Jannik Sinner at the US Open.

“She’s not going to beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100%? I’m going to try because I’m representing the men’s side… I’d say 6-2, maybe,” Kyrgios remarked about the historic showdown against Sabalenka, one of the most important players in the WTA circuit these days.

As the preparations for this marquee matchup continue, Kyrgios remains focused on his recovery. An injury sidelined him from the US Open, but his fan base stands firmly behind him. With confidence, he looks forward to proving victorious in this unique Battle of the Sexes.

Kyrgios opens up about his vocal presence

In addition to discussing the highly anticipated matchup against Sabalenka set for Hong Kong next year, Kyrgios shared insights into his outspoken personality both on the court and during post-match press conferences. He addressed the attention he commands with his candid approach to tennis.

“The tennis world gave me the power,” Kyrgios stated, shifting the focus away from his sometimes controversial remarks. “You shouldn’t blame me; you should blame the tennis world, because they put me in this position. I’m just having fun. I’m in my bed half the time just trolling. I think it’s healthy for the sport,” he remarked to fellow player Alexander Bublik.

By acknowledging his vibrant personality and forthright manner in discussing the sport, the Australian maverick continues to carve out his own path in the tennis world. With fans eagerly anticipating his next match, especially against Sabalenka, Kyrgios remains a compelling figure on and off the court.

Kyrgios has informed the tournament organizers that he will not compete in 2025 after making significant efforts to return to the singles circuit. The Australian has been largely absent from the ATP Tour, initially due to overcoming mental health issues and subsequently owing to a challenging injury.

His wrist injury appears to be a major impediment to his comeback in Grand Slam competitions, extending his hiatus from playing professional tennis in the United States as the final Grand Slam of the year approaches.

In fact, Kyrgios has competed in only five matches this season, securing just one victory in March against Mackenzie McDonald. The only Grand Slam he participated in was the Australian Open in January, where his campaign ended in the Round of 128.

When was the last time Kyrgios played at US Open?

Nick Kyrgios last graced the courts of the US Open in 2022, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to Karen Khachanov. Despite strong efforts to return over the past three years, his lingering wrist issues have hampered his comeback, causing concern among his fanbase.

With his ongoing challenges this year hindering a return to professional play, speculation about his potential retirement has surfaced. However, at just 30 years old and possessing undeniable talent, Kyrgios has yet to release any official statements regarding retirement from the ATP circuit.

Kyrgios’ 2025 tournament appearances

Having withdrawn from the US Open, Kyrgios has largely refrained from competing in other 2025 tournaments. He has missed major Grand Slams, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, as well as several key tour events like the Italian Open, Cincinnati Open, and Madrid Open.

Nevertheless, he did make appearances at the Indian Wells, Miami Open, Australian Open, and Brisbane Open earlier this year. With limited participation in these tournaments, the Australian star is likely contemplating the challenges ahead, strategizing how to perform at his best in future competitions.

Djokovic has hinted that retirement could be looming following semifinal exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon — defeats that came at the hands of current World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. While Djokovic hasn’t committed to a timeline, he’s made it clear he still wants to compete in Grand Slam events, though his future beyond this season remains uncertain.

During a recent appearance on the All on the Table podcast alongside renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Kyrgios offered his personal prediction on when Djokovic might walk away from the sport.

“I can’t see him playing for more than another year,” Kyrgios admitted. “Not again. Not the whole year again. He is so professional. I am just speaking from my experience if I had a family like his and kids”.

The Australian then revealed a revealing exchange he had with Djokovic during Indian Wells earlier this year, suggesting the 24-time Grand Slam champion may already be wrestling with the decision.

“I asked him this at Indian Wells this year. We were in the locker room and I said, ‘Why are you here? Why are you playing?’ He just goes, ‘I don’t know.’ I go, ‘What about your kids? I know you want to spend time with your family.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I don’t know.’ That was the first time I think he misses his family a lot. I stay in touch with him all the time,” Kyrgios added.

What did Djokovic say after his RG and Wimbledon exits?

Despite his age, Djokovic has managed to reach the semifinals in all three Grand Slams so far this season. At the Australian Open, he was forced to retire mid-match against Alexander Zverev due to injury, after dropping the opening set — but did not suggest it might be his final appearance in Melbourne.

That changed in Paris and London. At Roland Garros, Djokovic was defeated by Sinner in straight sets. In his post-match press conference, the Serbian all-time great reflected on the possibility that it could be his final appearance at the French Open.

“This could have been the last match ever I played here – I don’t know,” he admitted. “That’s why it was a bit more emotional at the end. But if this was the farewell match of Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd”.

Then came Wimbledon, where Djokovic once again fell to Sinner in straight sets — but this time with an even more dominant display from the Italian. Following his defeat, Djokovic left the door open for at least one more return.

“Hopefully it’s not my last match on the Centre Court. I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So I’m planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court, for sure,” he said during a press conferece.

Federer was first to arrive on the scene, winning his first of 20 Grand Slams in 2003. Nadal followed in 2005 and went on to collect 22 titles. Djokovic joined the race in 2008 and now leads the group with a record 24 Major titles. Each has left an indelible mark on the sport, but not all were equally embraced by fans.

According to Nick Kyrgios, however, public perception didn’t always match his personal experience on court. During an appearance on the Nothing Major podcast, Kyrgios was asked who he felt was the most “hated” player among the three. His response may surprise some.

“I couldn’t stand him,” Kyrgios said of Rafael Nadal. “I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around. He was one guy who always motivated me. If I played him I would get up for it and try and get the best tennis I could possibly play. I didn’t feel that anger towards Federer or Novak when I played them”.

Kyrgios explained that Nadal’s intense work ethic and the near-universal admiration he received in tennis circles pushed him to rebel against the mold. “If I played Rafa, because everyone in our academies back home idolized him, they were like: ‘He is such a hard worker, he’s this and that.’ I was like ‘I can’t stand this guy.’ I wanted to show people you could just have fun and be chilled and beat people like that,” Kyrgios continued.

Zverev comes to Djokovic’s defense

Meanwhile, World No. 3 Alexander Zverev offered his own perspective on Novak Djokovic’s polarizing image. Speaking to Tennis365, Zverev argued that Djokovic receives too much criticism, especially considering his dominance and professionalism.

“If he said that he can’t play a semi-final with a Grand Slam, that means he can’t play a semi-final with a Grand Slam,” Zverev said, referencing Djokovic’s injury withdrawal from the Australian Open. “So I think he gets a lot of undeserved hate”.

“Obviously, Roger and Rafa are probably two of the most loved athletes of all time, right? And Novak was spoiling the party a lot for the fans. But you know, all I can say is Novak is genuinely a good guy,” he added.

The two young stars have already delivered one of the most memorable French Open finals in history, with Alcaraz edging out Sinner in a five-set thriller that lasted 5 hours and 29 minutes—the longest Roland Garros final on record. Currently, Sinner sits atop the ATP rankings, while Alcaraz trails closely behind at No. 2, setting the stage for a high-stakes rivalry.

While Alcaraz leads in Grand Slam titles with five to Sinner’s three, former ATP standout Nick Kyrgios recently weighed in with his own take on who will have the more successful career—and it raised some eyebrows.

“Who do you think’s gonna have a better career, Alcaraz or Sinner?” Kyrgios asked during a segment on Ultimate Tennis Showdown. “I’ll tell you mine first. I’ll say Sinner, because Alcaraz likes girls. He might get distracted, he might party too much. That’s my only thing, whereas Sinner will stay a bit locked in, I think”.

When asked about Kyrgios’ comments during a post-match press conference after his win over Jan–Lennard Struff, Alcaraz responded with calm but pointed words.

“They’re funny comments, which coming from him, don’t surprise me,” Alcaraz said. “It’s no secret that Jannik always has fewer ups and downs than me. It’s something I’ve been working on. It has nothing to do with the nightlife world”.

Alcaraz focused on Wimbledon title defense

The Spaniards’ on-court form continues to impress as he eyes a third straight Wimbledon title. With his latest four-set victory over Struff, Alcaraz extended his career-best winning streak to 21 matches and secured a spot in the Round of 16, where he will face former World No. 5 Andrey Rublev.

“Well, I knew at the beginning that it was going to be really difficult. I had to be really focused on every shot, on my serve games, on the return,” Alcaraz said during his on-court interview. “I think his game suits pretty well to the grass—big serve, approaching to the net as much as he can. I’m just really pleased about everything that I have done today”.

As Roland Garros 2025 reached its final stages, Kyrgios entertained fans with a playful game for Bleacher Report, drawing comparisons between the four semifinalists—Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Lorenzo Musetti—and NBA players.

“This is my take on comparing the best players at Roland Garros to NBA stars,” Kyrgios began, kicking off his analysis with Djokovic. “For me, it’s pretty obvious: Novak Djokovic is like LeBron James. The longevity, what they’re still doing close to 40, they’re super relevant, and everyone knows who they are,” he explained.

Next, Kyrgios shifted focus to 22-year-old Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, who would go on to claim the Roland Garros title. “Let’s move to Alcaraz now. To me, he’s clearly like Luka Doncic. Both of them have magic, they make it all look easy, and they’re always smiling,” Kyrgios continued.

“For Jannik Sinner, I’d say he’s like Jayson Tatum. Both were highly successful at a young age—Tatum won the championship last year, and Sinner has already captured three Grand Slam titles,” Kyrgios added. “Lastly, Lorenzo Musetti reminds me of Tyler Herro. Both had breakout years recently and have delivered big results”.

Kyrgios: A career of talent and setbacks

Nick Kyrgios’ brilliance on the court is as undeniable as the controversy that has surrounded him throughout his career. At 30, the Australian brought a breath of fresh air to the tennis world during the height of the “Big Three” era.

His irreverent style—marked by underhand serves, tweeners, surprise drop shots, and an unmistakable showmanship—made him a fan favorite worldwide. While his consistency was often questioned, Kyrgios climbed as high as No. 13 in the world rankings in 2016, capturing seven ATP titles (three 250-level and four 500-level). Kyrgios’ crowning moment came at Wimbledon 2022, where he reached the final before falling to Novak Djokovic in four sets after winning the opener.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Kyrgios in recent years, keeping him off the court for extended periods. While he hasn’t formally announced his retirement, it’s uncertain if the Australian will return to competing regularly or at a high level again.

Nick Kyrgios had to retire from his first round match at the 2025 Indian Wells due to a wrist injury. He lost 7-6(9-7), 3-0 to Botic van de Zandschulp, who eventually defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round. However, the Australian is still active on social media and revealed his “favorite match” ever, which is one of his victories over the “Big Three.”

Kyrgios shared on his Instagram story a video of his clash against Roger Federer in the Round of 32 of the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid in 2015. “Favourite match of all time,” he wrote in the caption.

He won the thriller 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 7-6(12) in what was his only victory against the Swiss legend. Federer won all six of their remaining matches, including a semifinal clash in Miami and three encounters at the Laver Cup.

Against the other members of the Big Three, Kyrgios had memorable wins over both Rafael Nadal and Djokovic. At just 19 years old, he stunned the then-World No. 1 Spaniard in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2014. Overall, Kyrgios holds a 3-6 record against Nadal.

On the other hand, he is one of the few players with a winning record against Djokovic. He leads their head-to-head 2-1, with both wins coming in straight sets in 2017. However, Djokovic won their most high-profile encounter in the 2022 Wimbledon final.

Is Nick Kyrgios retiring?

While Kyrgios hasn’t confirmed his immediate plans, he posted a cryptic message on TikTok after his walkover at Indian Wells. “Emotional night for me but I really appreciate everyone who’s helped me keep my head up. You know who you are,” he wrote. “Gotta let go of what was. You are a new person, a new player now.”

“It ain’t easy,’ but you have to enjoy whatever is left in this tennis journey. I’m a competitor, I always think I’m capable and always want to play my best,” he added. “But that also stems frustration and anger to myself. I have to be kinder – it’s a blessing to still be able to play this sport that has given me so much.”

Nick Kyrgios’ career highlights

Ranked as high as World No. 13, Kyrgios has won seven ATP Tour singles titles, including titles in Tokyo, Washington, and Acapulco. In Grand Slams (singles), his best result was reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final.

Meanwhile, in doubles, he won the 2022 Australian Open partnering with Thanasi Kokkinakis. He is best regarded for his powerful serve and aggressive shot-making. However, his career has been defined by injuries and inconsistent form.

Wimbledon finalist and former World No. 13 Nick Kyrgios is not shy when sharing his opinions on the game or his fellow tennis players. While he has already shared his take on whether Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer are the greatest players of all time, he also weighed in the debate on the women’s side.

The Australian was one of several players, including four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who has said that Serena Williams is the greatest female player of all time. This admission came in the 2022 US Open, the tournament in which Williams retired.

In an exchange with the press, according to the tournament’s official website, Kyrgios was asked who was the GOAT in women’s tennis. “I’d say Serena, no? Who do you think?” he responded. When the journalist named Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova and Margaret Court, Kyrgios replied, smiling: “There’s so much I want to say, but I’m just going to say Serena.”

There are arguments for all of them. Margaret Court, who played in the amateur era and the early part of the Open Era, won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, though only seven of those came in the Open Era. On the other hand, Steffi Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and is the only player, male or female, to have achieved the Year Golden Slam, winning all four majors and the Olympic gold medal in the same year (1988).

Meanwhile, Martina Navratilova set a record with 167 WTA singles titles, 18 Grand Slam singles titles, and holds the record for the most Wimbledon singles titles (9) in history. Serena Williams, for her part, won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is the only player to complete the career Golden Slam in both doubles and singles, with three doubles and one singles Olympic gold medal.

Serena’s impact goes beyond the tennis court

Apart from her incredible numbers, Serena, alongside her sister Venus, is widely recognized as one of the most influential tennis players, revolutionizing the WTA with a new, powerful style of play while also inspiring a new generation of players such as Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Sloane Stephens.

Additionally, Serena remains the most popular female tennis player globally, with 19% of tennis fans naming her as their favorite player (YouGov, 2023). In the United States, her fame and popularity are unmatched—she holds 91% fame and 63% popularity among all adults, according to YouGov’s data for the last quarter of 2024.

The sanction was dramatically reduced, and Sinner, fresh off his Australian Open victory, will return to action on May 4, just in time for the Italian’s home event, the Rome Open, and the second Grand Slam of the year, Roland Garros. This development has drawn the ire of Nick Kyrgios, who voiced his frustrations about the timing and the leniency of the sanction.

“So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously sinners team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3 month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.,” Kyrgios wrote on X (formerly Twitter), visibly upset by the decision.

The announcement, made this Saturday, confirmed that the suspension took effect on February 9 and will last until May 4, allowing Sinner to return just in time for the Rome Open, which begins on May 7.

Sinner speaks on his sanction

Sinner began 2025 by winning the Australian Open, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. After the news of his sanction broke, the 23-year-old Italian issued a statement accepting the WADA decision, which avoided what could have been a much lengthier suspension.

“This case has been hanging over my head for almost a year, and it could have stretched into the end of the year. But I’ve always taken responsibility and understand that WADA’s rules are an important safeguard for the sport I love. That’s why I’ve accepted their offer to resolve everything with this three-month sanction,” said the world No. 1.

Tournaments Jannik Sinner will miss due to suspension

The major tournaments taking place before May 7 that Sinner will miss include the following:

• Qatar Open (February 15-23)
• Acapulco (February 14-March 2)
• Indian Wells (March 5-17)
• Miami Open (March 18-31)
• Monte Carlo (April 3-14)
• Barcelona (April 11-21)
• Madrid (April 19-May 5)