When Nick Kyrgios burst onto the professional tennis scene, many saw him as a potential champion destined to etch his name alongside the sport’s greatest players. Fans will forever recall his breathtaking upset of Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014, a match that saw Kyrgios announce himself with authority on one of tennis’ grandest stages. His subsequent performances against other titans like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic only cemented the view that he could be a dominant force in the sport.
Blessed with an explosive serve, powerful groundstrokes, and a captivating flair on court, Kyrgios had all the tools to become a major star. However, his career has been marred by inconsistency and off-court struggles that have left fans wondering what might have been. While his dazzling shot-making and unpredictability made him a must-watch player, his journey has been one of dramatic peaks and troughs.
In 2022, it appeared that Kyrgios had turned a corner. Committing himself to improving his physical conditioning, the Australian played some of the best tennis of his career. He showcased his potential by reaching the Wimbledon final, where he battled Novak Djokovic in an intense four-set duel, ultimately falling short. He followed up this impressive feat by toppling reigning US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, further fueling hopes that he could capture a Grand Slam title.
Kyrgios expressed a renewed focus on achieving that elusive Major victory before retiring, yet the last year and a half have been devastating for the Australian star. A series of serious injuries, particularly a wrist issue requiring reconstruction, has sidelined him and cast doubt over his future. No one knows for sure when—or even if—he will return to the court. Tennis fans and pundits alike continue to hope that Kyrgios will fulfill his potential and claim a Major before transitioning to the next chapter of his life.
Throughout his career, Kyrgios has been a polarizing figure, known as much for his off-court antics as his on-court brilliance. His unorthodox approach and candid demeanor have made him both a fan favorite and a source of controversy. His lifestyle choices and reluctance to adhere to a regimented professional routine have drawn criticism and contributed to his struggles with consistency and injury.
Reflecting on a particularly difficult period, Kyrgios recently opened up about the darkness he experienced in 2019. “That year was the worst of my life. I was struggling with being who I was, and it felt like everything was spiraling. I was playing nonstop, unable to step back and work on myself. I turned to drinking and was out of control. At times, I’d have 20 to 30 drinks, and then I’d wake up and face someone like Nadal the next day. It was a vicious cycle.”
Despite his struggles, Kyrgios remains determined to chase his dreams. He has made it clear that he still desires to compete on the ATP Tour and win a Major. Yet, questions remain about his physical readiness and mental drive. He has been away from competitive play for an extended period, and the level of motivation required to challenge the world’s best players is formidable.
Kyrgios has also been vocal about his reluctance to become a journeyman player content with secondary roles. He expressed admiration for Andy Murray’s grit but admitted he does not want a similar career trajectory. “I see how Andy is fighting and pushing himself despite all the surgeries and pain, and I respect it. But for me, that’s not how I want to go out. Murray, Nadal—they’ve given everything. I’d rather step away than push myself to that point.”
At 29, Kyrgios still has time to make a meaningful return if he can commit to both physical and mental rehabilitation. His comments reflect an acknowledgment of the challenges ahead and the realization that he must prioritize his health. “I had an incredible run in 2022. But towards the end, I began feeling pain in my wrist. After undergoing reconstruction surgery, I’m working hard to recover and strengthen it,” he shared. “I had to relearn how to hit with my right wrist, starting with light balls. It’s been humbling, but I consider every future match a bonus.”
While Kyrgios’ path forward is uncertain, one thing remains clear—his passion for the sport endures. Whether he can recapture his form and achieve his dream of winning a Major remains to be seen. But for his supporters, the prospect of seeing Kyrgios back on the court, competing at his best, is a tantalizing hope. His talent and charisma have left an indelible mark on tennis, and the world will be watching to see if he can script a triumphant return.