Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has recently opened up about his struggles with criticism during his teenage years, reflecting on how deeply it impacted him early in his career. Kyrgios, known for his flamboyant playing style and electrifying on-court presence, has been absent from the professional tennis circuit for an extended period, but fans can look forward to his highly anticipated return to the ATP Tour in 2025.
From an early age, Kyrgios demonstrated immense promise. His raw talent and captivating playstyle caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. He dominated the junior circuit, securing three Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles, and many experts predicted he would become one of the sport’s greats. Despite the lofty expectations, Kyrgios’ professional career has been a mix of highs and lows. While he has showcased his talent in flashes, producing memorable performances and winning a handful of titles, his journey has often been marred by controversies, injuries, and inconsistent form.
During a recent appearance on *The AO Show*, Kyrgios reflected on his younger years and the weight of public opinion he carried as a teenager. The segment, which featured a throwback of Kyrgios gracing the cover of a tennis magazine at age 18, prompted a candid response from the Australian player about how he would counsel his younger self. “I would probably say not to take criticism too hard at that time,” Kyrgios remarked. “I was an emotional kid and I was a sensory person, like, I took comments very personally. So, I would tell myself maybe not to take the criticism so hard because it really, it really affected me.”
This admission sheds light on the emotional challenges faced by the young star as he navigated the professional tennis world. Kyrgios’ journey has been anything but conventional, and his early career was marked by fiery displays of emotion and a polarizing reputation within the tennis community. While some celebrated his charisma and fearless play, others were quick to criticize his behavior on and off the court.
Reflecting on this, Kyrgios spoke about his desire to maintain his individuality despite the scrutiny he faced. “I’d probably say, ‘Just continue to be that showman that you have inside you.’ I didn’t realize I was going to send such shockwaves through the tennis world, I guess. I was 18, I had no idea that I was able to do that,” he said. Born and raised in Canberra, Kyrgios described his humble beginnings, emphasizing how surreal it felt to achieve the level of notoriety he did. “I was a kid from Canberra, still in school. I’d say just don’t take criticism too hard,” he added.
The 29-year-old has always been known for his candidness, both on and off the court, and these comments offer a glimpse into the struggles he has faced balancing public perception with personal growth. While his talent has never been in question, the scrutiny and pressures of being a public figure have clearly left a mark on him.
Ahead of his return to competitive tennis, Kyrgios will first compete in the World Tennis League, an exhibition event set to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 19 to 22. This event will offer fans a chance to see Kyrgios back in action as part of the Kites team, which includes notable names like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Paula Badosa, and Jasmine Paolini. The exhibition will feature three other teams, with the Eagles led by Casper Ruud, Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz, and Barbora Krejcikova; the Hawks comprising Taylor Fritz, Sumit Nagal, Aryna Sabalenka, and Mirra Andreeva; and the Falcons, featuring Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Elena Rybakina, and Caroline Garcia.
While the World Tennis League serves as a warm-up, Kyrgios’ official competitive return will take place at the Brisbane International, starting on December 29. This will mark his third appearance at the tournament, which holds fond memories for him as he clinched the title in 2018 by defeating Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-2 in the final. The Brisbane International will serve as a crucial stepping stone for Kyrgios, who aims to regain his form and prepare for the challenges of the 2025 ATP season.
For many tennis fans, Kyrgios remains one of the sport’s most intriguing figures. His comeback is highly anticipated, with supporters hoping to see him reach new heights and silence his critics. While he has faced obstacles and setbacks, Kyrgios’ story is a reminder of the human side of professional athletes and the mental toll that public scrutiny can take. As he steps back onto the court, it is clear that the tennis world is eager to witness what the next chapter holds for the Australian showman.