Nick Kyrgios, the outspoken Australian tennis maverick, has once again stirred the pot with a pointed jab at Rafael Nadal, calling the Spaniard’s meticulous pre-serve routines a personal “tennis ick.” The 30-year-old, known for his fiery on-court persona and unfiltered commentary, didn’t hold back in a recent interview, spotlighting Nadal’s deliberate habits as a source of irritation. This latest dig adds fuel to a long-standing rivalry that has captivated tennis fans, revealing the complex dynamic between two players who couldn’t be more different in style and temperament.
Kyrgios, speaking to TNT Sports, pinpointed his frustration with players who linger between serves, specifically naming Nadal. “My tennis ick is when players take too long to serve between first and second serves,” he said. “For example, Rafael Nadal.” The 22-time Grand Slam champion is renowned for his methodical approach, meticulously adjusting his attire, bouncing the ball multiple times, and aligning himself before each serve. These rituals, while iconic to Nadal’s process, have long been a point of contention, with some opponents and fans viewing them as gamesmanship that tests the boundaries of time violations. Kyrgios, never one to shy away from controversy, has made it clear that Nadal’s habits grate on him, further highlighting the Australian’s disdain for what he perceives as unnecessary delays.
The tension between Kyrgios and Nadal stretches back years, rooted in a mix of competitive clashes and philosophical differences. Reflecting on their encounters, Kyrgios admitted on the Nothing Major podcast to a deep-seated animosity in their early meetings. “I couldn’t stand him,” he confessed. “I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around.” Kyrgios explained that Nadal’s status as a role model—idolized for his relentless work ethic and intensity—fueled his competitive fire. “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,’” Kyrgios recalled. “If I played him, I would get up for it and try and get the best tennis I could possibly play.” This rivalry, marked by memorable battles like their 2019 Wimbledon clash, has been a one-sided affair emotionally, with Kyrgios admitting he never felt the same “anger” toward other legends like Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios’s latest comments come as he prepares for a potential return at the 2025 US Open, where his name appears on the entry list despite a two-year absence from competitive play due to wrist, knee, and foot injuries. His candid remarks about Nadal contrast with his warmer sentiments toward other peers. In the same breath, Kyrgios praised Federer’s elegance and Andy Murray’s grit, underscoring his selective admiration for certain players. “I didn’t feel that anger toward Federer or Novak when I played them,” he noted, suggesting that Nadal’s intensity and rituals uniquely provoke him. This selective critique adds another layer to Kyrgios’s complex persona—a player who thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging the sport’s establishment.
Beyond the court, Kyrgios’s history with Nadal includes lighter, albeit cheeky, anecdotes that reveal his penchant for mischief. In a talkSPORT interview, he recounted a wild incident from a 2015 Beijing tournament, where Nadal defeated him handily. “Nadal beat me in Beijing & he destroyed me,” Kyrgios admitted. Afterward, in a moment of revelry, he racked up a hefty hotel bar tab and cheekily charged it to Nadal’s room. “I had a couple of wines… I put it all on his room,” he said with a laugh, before adding, “I’m sorry… actually I’m not sorry!” This story, while humorous, underscores the playful yet provocative edge that defines Kyrgios’s interactions with Nadal.
The broader tennis community has taken note of Kyrgios’s comments, with fans on social media buzzing about the renewed friction. Some see his critique as a valid critique of Nadal’s time-consuming habits, which have drawn warnings from umpires in the past. Others view it as another chapter in Kyrgios’s quest to ruffle feathers, particularly targeting a player whose 14 French Open titles and relentless consistency stand in stark contrast to Kyrgios’s mercurial career. Nadal, now 39 and battling injuries of his own, has not publicly responded to the latest jab, but his focus remains on extending his storied career, with a possible US Open appearance looming.
As Kyrgios eyes a comeback, his comments serve as a reminder of his ability to generate headlines, whether through blistering winners or biting words. His rivalry with Nadal, fueled by moments of brilliance and bursts of controversy, remains one of tennis’s most compelling narratives. Whether on the court or in the press, Kyrgios ensures he’s never far from the spotlight, keeping fans guessing what he’ll say—or do—next.
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