Nick Kyrgios is one of the most polarizing figures in tennis, known for his explosive playing style, outspoken personality, and off-court antics. The Australian tennis star has enjoyed success on the ATP circuit, reaching career highs like a World No. 13 ranking and earning seven ATP Tour singles titles. However, he has also made headlines for reasons far removed from the tennis court—namely, his love for the video game Fortnite. Recently, Kyrgios clapped back at a fan who criticized his gaming habit, underscoring his unapologetic approach to both his passions and his critics.
Currently, Kyrgios is sidelined due to injury issues and has not played a professional match since June 2023. Despite his absence, the 29-year-old remains a hot topic within tennis circles and among his fans, who miss his presence on the court. Known for his raw talent and high-octane style, Kyrgios is a formidable player who has reached significant milestones in his career. He was a finalist at Wimbledon in 2022, narrowly losing to Novak Djokovic, and also reached the Cincinnati Masters final in 2017. When he’s on his game, Kyrgios is among the most entertaining players to watch. His powerful serve, clever shot-making, and fiery temper make him a captivating figure, drawing both praise and criticism from fans and analysts alike.
But Kyrgios is just as dedicated to his life outside of tennis, with his gaming habits drawing almost as much attention as his athletic accomplishments. His passion for Fortnite is well-known, and he’s frequently posted about his love for the game on X (formerly Twitter). In fact, he was invited to play in the Australian Open Fortnite Pro-Am back in 2019, highlighting the extent of his involvement in the gaming community. In many ways, Fortnite has become a significant part of Kyrgios’s identity, a hobby he enjoys and is open about despite public scrutiny.
Recently, Kyrgios’s gaming enthusiasm put him at the center of a minor social media clash. A fan, spotting a username that seemed to suggest the tennis star was in the game, commented that Kyrgios should “stick to tennis” instead of Fortnite. Kyrgios, who is known for his candid responses, didn’t hesitate to address the remark. “For those of you thinking I sit there and play Fortnite, you are dumb a**es, but I’m glad it keeps you happy,” he fired back. “People usually like to use my name in the username of video games. Glad you got your clout.” His reply quickly gained traction, with supporters praising his wit and calling out those who scrutinize his personal hobbies.
Kyrgios’s love of gaming isn’t a recent development. In 2022, his mother, Norlaila Kyrgios, shared some insight into her son’s long-standing gaming habits. According to her, Kyrgios would often spend so much time gaming that his shoulder would start to hurt, a testament to just how committed he is to his virtual adventures. She described her son as someone who’d rather stay in his room and play video games than explore the world around him. “He was happy to sit in his room and play video games all the time,” she told *The Sydney Morning Herald*. Norlaila even recalled an instance when the family was visiting China and wanted to see the Great Wall, only for Nick to opt out of the experience in favor of staying indoors and gaming. “In Beijing, we wanted him to walk the Great Wall of China with us. Who wouldn’t, right? But Nick wouldn’t go. He was happy to sit in his room and order in. That’s what worried me,” she said. She recounted similar experiences during a trip to Canada, where she went to Niagara Falls alone because Kyrgios chose gaming over sightseeing.
While many might view this as an obsession, Kyrgios sees gaming as an essential part of his downtime and a way to unwind, especially amid the grueling demands of professional tennis. His love for Fortnite is one aspect of a multi-faceted personality that Kyrgios unapologetically embraces, despite it occasionally putting him at odds with his fans and critics. For Kyrgios, gaming is a passion that offers respite from the pressures of tennis—a safe space where he can be himself without the scrutiny of the spotlight.
During his time off due to injury, Kyrgios has found other ways to stay connected to the sport. He has been exploring the realm of sports commentary, sharing insights and offering opinions on the ATP circuit and its players. This new endeavor showcases a different side of Kyrgios, one where he can use his experience and candid personality to provide fans with a unique perspective on the sport he loves. His comments and observations are often laced with the same wit and sharp humor that characterize his social media interactions, further endearing him to fans.
Looking ahead, Kyrgios plans to make a comeback to the ATP Tour in December, aiming to regain his form and set his sights on winning his first Grand Slam title. His talent has never been in question; fans and critics alike acknowledge his immense potential. However, many hope to see him channel his energy into a more focused approach to reach the pinnacle of the sport. In an era when athletes are increasingly expected to be multi-dimensional, Kyrgios exemplifies what it means to pursue diverse passions unapologetically, whether on the tennis court, at the gaming console, or behind a microphone as a commentator.
The debate around Kyrgios’s choices—whether to invest more fully in his tennis career or enjoy his downtime however he sees fit—will likely continue, but if there’s one thing Kyrgios has shown, it’s that he’s not easily swayed by public opinion. He’s carved his path both on and off the court, and for now, it seems he’s content to balance his athletic aspirations with his love for gaming and his budding role as a commentator. Fans eagerly await his return, knowing that whatever he brings, it will be undeniably Nick Kyrgios—fierce, unconventional, and entirely his own.