Nick Kyrgios is the Donald Trump of tennis for one big reason – but that is not an insult

Kevin Palmer
Nick Kyrgios off court
Nick Kyrgios of Australia does an interview

Nick Kyrgios was always likely to provide some talking points during his commentary stint at the Australian Open and one issue can never be doubted – his favourite topic of conversation is about himself!

The Aussie maverick continues to suggest he is ready to return to tennis at some point in 2024, but there have to be doubts over those ambitions after he recently suggested that he is not keen to return to the court.

With a high-profile podcast now being launched and Kyrgios eager to make the most of his status as one of the most recognisable faces in the men’s game, it is increasingly hard to see where a return to competitive tennis fits into this story.

Yet nothing can be ruled out for a character who continues to shift the conventional rules in his new role commentating on the Australian Open.

TALKING TENNIS

Kyrgios has often hinted he is not a big fan of tennis, but he appears to be relishing the chance to talk about the sport at the first Grand Slam of the year.

He has compelling stories to tell about his battles with some of the biggest names in the game and listening to his commentary is a different experience.

While most commentators tend to avoid making comments during a match, Kyrgios can’t hold back from offering up colourful views that keep the viewers entertained.

So we have got used to points being played with Kyrgios continuing to talk about subjects that have nothing to do with the match he is watching.

It might sound like it would be annoying, but it has been great to watch so far.

ALL ABOUT ME?

If you listen to Kyrgios for more than a few minutes, there is a good chance the topic of conversation will get back to himself.

He has suggested Australian Open chiefs should name a stadium after him, while he also asked Carlos Alcaraz if he decided to wear a sleeveless tee-shirt for his matches in a tribute to his look on court.

He has spoken about how he used to idolise French tennis great Jo Wilfried-Tsonga and never misses a chance to sprinkle in a behind-the-scenes comment from the locker room.

Like former US President Donald Trump, Kyrgios is most at home when the topic of conversation is about his own career and experiences, but as one of the most colourful characters in the game, these stories are great to hear.

WHAT KYRGIOS HAS SAID ABOUT: 

Novak Djokovic: “The level of anxiety coming into a Grand Slam feels bigger. The niggles tend to become bigger than it is, all your senses are heightened. Novak is one to already carry an injury last year, deal with it and win a tournament. In best of three, it’s possible to beat him, best of five it’s a whole different beast. You saw the greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, even Andy Murray struggle to have success against Novak on the biggest stages in the world.

On his transformed relationship with Djokovic: “We had a rocky relationship at the start and there were a couple of things changed. Now we literally speak every day with him I’ve had some crazy messages. We send memes to each other. He hit an unbelievable volley the other day and I said to him where did you get these hands from? You didn’t have them against me at Wimbledon! Then he responded; oh I got them from you!”

Daniil Medvedev: “Guy’s scary. End range. He’s a freak when he’s on end range like that. Intangibles are top notch.”

Carlos Alcaraz: “He makes me excited about tennis. Carlos Alcaraz. He’s one person I do want to face and I want to play and I want to give a good crack at when I go back. Before it’s all said and done, it’d be fun. Hopefully he’s nice to me. His bad days are still my good days.”

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