Nick Kyrgios is one of tennis’s most polarizing figures, yet his presence in the sport is undeniable. Known as much for his on-court antics and outspoken personality as for his talent, the Australian’s journey has been marked by incredible highs and frustrating lows. With a natural flair for the game and a style that has thrilled audiences worldwide, Kyrgios possesses undeniable skill—but inconsistency and fitness challenges have often hampered his ability to sustain success. However, in a recent revelation, Kyrgios shared that he plans to make a triumphant return to Grand Slam tennis at the 2025 Australian Open, following a lengthy absence due to a wrist injury. This announcement offers a glimpse of hope for fans eager to see him at his best on the court once again.
Kyrgios’s injury struggles over the past few years have kept him from reaching his potential. The wrist injury he sustained was particularly damaging, forcing him to miss much of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including major tournaments where he might have made a deep run. His absence has been felt keenly in the tennis world, where his unpredictable style and volatile personality add a spark to every tournament he enters. Now, with the Australian Open in his sights, Kyrgios is determined to make a comeback that could reignite his career.
Before he steps back onto the court, however, Kyrgios has taken the opportunity to set the record straight on certain misconceptions about his career. In a candid interview with journalist Louis Theroux on Theroux’s podcast, Kyrgios addressed several rumors and longstanding criticisms that have followed him throughout his career. Known for his brash approach, the 29-year-old has never shied away from sharing his perspective, even if it’s at odds with the public or media narrative. In this interview, Kyrgios specifically aimed to dispel the common belief that he has “underachieved” in tennis, a label often attributed to him due to his failure to win a Grand Slam.
“To say that I have under-achieved is insanity because I know what I have gone through in my life and where I have come from,” Kyrgios declared on the podcast. He noted that he’s proud of his journey, coming from Canberra, Australia, to playing on tennis’s biggest stages, even in front of royalty. In his view, these achievements are far from failures, as they represent a journey of resilience and determination. “What I have done in my career and what I have achieved as a person and how I have bounced back from all the negative that I have dealt and turned it into a positive,” he explained, “and being able to help people now…I look at that as the biggest overachievement that any athlete can give back.”
Kyrgios also discussed his approach to mental health, reflecting on his struggles with managing fame and the pressures that come with professional sports. He admitted that, at 19, he was unprepared for the level of attention he received, especially in a social media landscape that often turned hostile. “I definitely could have gone through it a little smoother,” Kyrgios acknowledged. He admitted he was initially reluctant to seek help, which prolonged his path to maturity. Now, however, he’s using his experiences to connect with and advise young fans, hoping to inspire others to overcome adversity.
Addressing his critics’ insistence that he should have won a Grand Slam, Kyrgios was quick to highlight the difficulty of achieving such a feat, especially when competing against the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, all in their primes. “There is no shame in not winning a Grand Slam because 99% of tennis players do not win a singles Grand Slam,” he pointed out. He reminded listeners that he’s managed to beat each of the Big Three—Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—at least once, a feat few players can claim. In his mind, these victories are a testament to his skill, even if they haven’t culminated in a Grand Slam title.
Kyrgios’s return to the ATP tour could be a game-changer. When he’s at his best, he has the power, finesse, and tactical awareness to rival any player. His unique style, combining explosive serves, unexpected drop shots, and unpredictable shot selections, has allowed him to challenge and defeat top players. Notably, he’s one of the few players who have bested each member of the Big Three in their first encounters, securing memorable wins over Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. These accomplishments showcase his ability to rise to the occasion, often against the sport’s elite.
With Federer retired, Nadal recovering from recurring injuries, and Djokovic’s form and fitness beginning to show signs of decline, Kyrgios might find himself in an ATP landscape that’s more open than it has been in years. The current crop of young players, led by stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, are undoubtedly talented and hungry, but many fans believe Kyrgios, at his peak, has a rare and electrifying edge. His unpredictable style and his ability to deliver stunning victories make him a potential dark horse for any tournament he enters, provided he can maintain his fitness and consistency.
For Kyrgios, the 2025 season is an opportunity to redefine his career narrative. With the Australian Open on the horizon, he is setting his sights on making an impact, not just by winning matches but by proving that he belongs among the sport’s best. A strong performance at his home Slam would be a fitting stage for a comeback and could signal a fresh chapter for him. His success on the court, paired with his reflections off it, suggests a more mature Kyrgios—one who understands the weight of his journey and has a renewed perspective on what it means to achieve in tennis.
While his critics remain skeptical, Kyrgios is embracing his identity as tennis’s “bad boy” while seeking to challenge the notion that his career lacks fulfillment. For him, success isn’t just measured by trophies but by personal growth, the ability to inspire others, and the resilience he has shown in the face of adversity. Whether or not he claims a Grand Slam title, Kyrgios’s return promises to add excitement to the ATP tour, bringing back a player whose presence has always left a lasting impact. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what Kyrgios, with his talent and tenacity, will bring to the court in the coming year.