Nick Kyrgios has been no stranger to controversy and fierce rivalries in the tennis world, and his ongoing feud with Jannik Sinner, particularly surrounding the Clostebol case, has been one of the more talked-about sagas in recent months. With the 2025 tennis season fast approaching, the stage seems set for a potential showdown between the two, particularly during the Australian swing that will kick off the year. In a recent interview during the Australian Open podcast, Kyrgios gave a candid response when asked about his thoughts on facing Sinner in the near future, and it’s clear that a match against the Italian is high on his radar.
“One player I would like to play against when I come back is Sinner,” Kyrgios said, acknowledging the tension between the two. “I would like to play against him at some point, hopefully not in my first match when I come back! But it would definitely be on my calendar.” These words reveal that the rivalry between Kyrgios and Sinner is far from over, and their paths could very well cross again in 2025, potentially with even more intensity given the back-and-forth that has occurred in recent months.
The Clostebol case, which has plagued Sinner’s reputation and sparked a public dispute, has been a major talking point, adding fuel to their rivalry. Although there is no official resolution yet, the two players have exchanged barbs in the media, with Kyrgios in particular expressing his frustration. The issue could very well come to a head when the Australian returns to the court in 2025, and the tennis world will undoubtedly be watching closely. With both players being in the prime of their careers, a meeting between them on court would be a highly anticipated event, with the potential to bring even more drama to their ongoing feud.
For Kyrgios, the road to recovery and a return to competitive tennis has been a long and arduous one. After dealing with significant knee issues and undergoing wrist surgery, his return to the ATP tour has been a source of much anticipation. Kyrgios has had a tumultuous few years, dealing with injuries, but his drive to get back on court is stronger than ever. In the lead-up to his return, he’s spoken candidly about the mental and physical challenges he has faced throughout his rehabilitation process. He recently opened up about a key moment of motivation that came during his training with Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Wimbledon edition, where the Serbian legend gave him the confidence he needed to believe in his recovery.
“I was playing with Novak at Wimbledon and he said, ‘You don’t look like you’ve had surgery.’ That was the key motivation for me to say, ‘Well, maybe I’m making some progress to get back to playing,’ because I didn’t really know,” Kyrgios explained. “If he hadn’t said that, I don’t know if I would have been as motivated and kept pushing myself on the court, but when he said that to me, it was definitely a big part of the journey.” This exchange with Djokovic helped Kyrgios regain his self-belief and pushed him to continue working hard on his recovery. For a player like Kyrgios, who has always thrived on confidence and self-assurance, hearing words of encouragement from one of the sport’s biggest stars was a game-changer.
Kyrgios has been through some incredibly difficult stages in his rehabilitation journey, particularly after undergoing wrist surgery, which he described in detail during an interview with Nine News. “It was a wrist reconstruction, there was a piece of string holding the wrist together. My fingers looked like sausages when I came out of the surgery, I was in a cast for about 12 weeks,” Kyrgios explained. “No movement, I basically had to relearn how to use my right wrist.” These revelations shed light on just how serious his injury was and how challenging the recovery process has been. Being forced to completely immobilize his wrist for several months and then having to relearn basic movements was undoubtedly a frustrating and mentally taxing experience for Kyrgios, who is known for his energetic and explosive style of play.
However, despite these hardships, Kyrgios remains optimistic about his return to the tour. He has set his sights on the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, which will serve as his first competitive appearance in 2025, scheduled to take place from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The Brisbane International will be the perfect opportunity for Kyrgios to gauge his fitness and see where he stands in terms of match readiness. Although he has not played on the ATP Tour for several months, Kyrgios has been working diligently on his physical and mental preparation, knowing that his return to the sport will not be easy.
With the Brisbane tournament just around the corner, Kyrgios will be looking to shake off any rust and get back to his best form. The 2025 season represents a fresh start for him, and there is no doubt that he will be eager to make a strong statement early in the year. As for his feud with Sinner, it is clear that Kyrgios is ready to take on the young Italian, should the opportunity arise. Whether they face off in Brisbane, Melbourne, or another location, the rivalry between these two players is one that is bound to captivate fans across the globe.
For Kyrgios, the year ahead is about more than just his rivalry with Sinner. It’s about proving to himself and his fans that he can still compete at the highest level after his lengthy absence. His motivation to return to the game is fueled not only by the desire to prove his critics wrong but also by his deep love for the sport and his relentless determination to get back to winning ways. While his feud with Sinner will undoubtedly be one of the major storylines to follow, it is clear that Kyrgios has much more to offer in 2025, and he is fully committed to achieving success on his terms.
The coming months will be crucial for Kyrgios as he re-establishes himself in the tennis world. He has the talent to beat anyone when fully fit, and with his fiery personality and unique playing style, he is always a threat on court. If he can stay healthy and continue to build on the progress he’s made in his recovery, Kyrgios could once again be a major force in the men’s game in 2025. The tennis world will be watching closely as he makes his long-awaited return, and the drama of his rivalry with Sinner promises to add even more excitement to what is sure to be a thrilling season.