Nick Kyrgios, the polarizing Australian tennis star, has always been a lightning rod for attention, both for his prodigious talent and his unfiltered personality. As he gears up for a long-awaited comeback at the 2025 Australian Open, the 29-year-old recently shared candid reflections on his relationships with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two titans of the sport who have now hung up their rackets. With Federer retiring in 2022 and Nadal bowing out after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, Kyrgios’ insights reveal a complex mix of rivalry, respect, and evolving personal connections with the legends who defined an era.
Kyrgios burst onto the scene as a teenager, famously upsetting Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014, a victory that announced his fearless approach against the “Big Three”—Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. His ability to challenge these icons, becoming one of only three players to defeat each on their first encounter, cemented his reputation as a dangerous wildcard. Yet, off the court, his relationships with Federer and Nadal have been markedly different, shaped by contrasting personalities and past tensions. Speaking on The Changeover podcast, Kyrgios offered a glimpse into how these dynamics have evolved now that both players have retired.
With Federer, Kyrgios shares a warm rapport that began early in his career. The Swiss maestro, known for his elegance and diplomacy, was a “role model” for the young Australian. “Me and Roger Federer, we’ve always had a good connection,” Kyrgios said, recalling their off-court friendship. Their bond grew through moments like the 2017 Laver Cup, where Kyrgios faced Federer in a thrilling match tie-break, and extended to casual interactions that showcased Federer’s approachable nature. Even after Federer’s retirement, their relationship remains intact, rooted in mutual admiration. Kyrgios values Federer’s ability to inspire without intimidating, noting, “He’s so creative, so talented. He’s the greatest of all time.” The Australian’s respect reflects Federer’s universal appeal, a player who Kyrgios felt no “anger” toward, unlike his fiery encounters with others.
Nadal, however, was a different story. Kyrgios admitted to a visceral dislike during their playing days, driven by the Spaniard’s relentless intensity and the idolization he received. “I couldn’t stand him. I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around,” Kyrgios confessed on the Nothing Major podcast. This animosity fueled his best performances, including wins in Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and Acapulco, where he famously used an underarm serve to unsettle Nadal. “He was one guy who always motivated me,” Kyrgios added, explaining how Nadal’s work ethic, lauded by coaches back home, pushed him to prove talent and flair could triumph over grit. Their clashes were often heated, with Kyrgios once admitting he aimed a ball at Nadal’s chest during a 2019 Wimbledon match, later saying, “Why would I apologise? I won the point.”
Yet, Nadal’s retirement has softened Kyrgios’ perspective. Watching the emotional tribute at the Davis Cup Finals, where Nadal tearfully addressed the crowd, moved the Australian. “I got a bit emotional for him,” Kyrgios said. “He had a hell of a career. I don’t think we’ll ever see someone as dominant as him on clay.” He paid further tribute on social media, writing, “Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa. I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for… he was a motivation – I guess an inspiration.” These words reveal a newfound respect, acknowledging Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles and his role in pushing Kyrgios to elevate his game, even if they never shared a beer at the pub.
Kyrgios’ reflections come at a pivotal moment. After nearly two years sidelined by knee, ankle, and wrist injuries, he’s set to return at the Brisbane International, followed by the Australian Open, using a protected ranking. The tennis landscape has shifted dramatically without Federer and Nadal, and with Djokovic as the last of the Big Three, Kyrgios believes Grand Slams are “more open.” “I think now if Sinner or Alcaraz has one bad day, that section is wide open for everyone,” he said, suggesting his prime could have thrived in this era. As he prepares to face a new generation, Kyrgios carries the lessons from his battles with Federer and Nadal—a blend of rivalry, respect, and the drive to carve his own legacy.
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