Whether you love or loathe Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, there’s no doubt the sporting maverick is hitting the box office – and he knows it.
Some die-hard fans believe Kyrgios is a wasted talent who lacks decorum, while others can’t get enough of his brashness.
Who else could get away with saying the current players on the ATP circuit are ‘boring’ as he prepares to return to the professional circuit after an 18-month hiatus due to injury.
“We watch sports because we want personalities,” Kyrgios said ahead of his first-round match against British star Jacob Fearnley, which is sure to be a sellout in Melbourne.
“Every time I step on the field, I don’t know if I’m going to be super controversial in a good or bad way.
‘Throughout my career it hasn’t always been good, but it has caused a lot of tension.
Whether you love or loathe Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, there’s no doubt he’s on the box office – and he knows it (pictured, with girlfriend Costeen Hatzi)
No one knew what to think when Nick Kyrgios tackled commentary at last year’s Open – he was a natural
‘I think it’s important. There are so many good players on the tour now…but I don’t think there are that many contrasting personalities.”
Off the field, Canberra made the case that Kyrgios is a smart player. But more about that later.
The man who can add wins over Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to his CV has sponsors lined up to represent him.
Not bad for a guy who has only collected $8,251 in prize money since 2022.
Over the course of his career, Kyrgios has lost sponsors due to his behavior, including tanking competitions, a blemish that no player wants to be linked to.
Kyrgios is also not afraid to express his opinion, just ask Jannik Sinner.
The polarizing star knows many Aussies recognize his immense talent, but often become frustrated when Kyrgios loses games he should have won.
Like the majority of world-class tennis players, the sport has been financially kind to him.
Kyrgios has reportedly earned more than $12 million in prize money alone since turning pro in 2013 – and while he has occasionally splurged on luxury items like a Lamborghini, his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi has been a steadying influence.
Nick Kyrgios showed his greatest talent on the way to the Wimbledon final in 2022 (photo)
Unable to play in the All England club last year, Kyrgios got a gig with the BBC (pictured)
The couple in love plans to settle down and have children, but Kyrgios is in no hurry.
You get the sense that he’s enjoying riding the waves as his sporting career reaches its twilight stage – and that’s also why his other interests have become apparent.
Realistically, no one knew what to think when Kyrgios was on commentary at the Open last year, but he was a natural and his agent Stuart Duguid was blown away by his calm.
“In terms of commentary, I think if he wants to, he can be the best there is. “He’s going to keep getting better and better,” he said.
“I mean, his tennis IQ is a complete joke, it’s off the charts. It’s probably one of the highest, if not the highest, and that’s why he’s done so well without a coach.”
The man himself loved being on the other side and was quick to point out that “money is ridiculous.”
Not that he needed it, it was a perfect example of his Jekyll and Hyde personality.
Kyrgios’ off-court interests have attracted attention: the 29-year-old, an avid Boston Celtics supporter, has invested in NBL club South East Melbourne Phoenix, as well as his own foundation and the Miami Pickleball Club.
Kyrgios has been plagued by injuries since reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final against all odds, and deep down Kyrgios probably knows this was his golden opportunity to win a singles grand slam and silence the doubters lay.
Some tennis fans think Kyrgios is a wasted talent, others can’t get enough of his brashness
Once sworn enemies, Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic recently played doubles together at the Brisbane International
But expect the unexpected with Kyrgios.
Who could have predicted he would win the Australian Open doubles title with good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis three years ago after they entered the tournament ‘for a bit of a laugh’.
As for his future, Kyrgios himself probably doesn’t know which projects he will delve into.
Tennis – apart from possible commentary on the four Grand Slams – seems unlikely, as Kyrgios has often said that he ‘doesn’t like the sport, but happens to be good at it.’
With people like Duguid in his corner, doors will certainly open.
It all depends on whether tennis’s greatest showman since John McEnroe chooses to walk through it.