Whether you love or hate Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, there’s no doubt that this maverick sports star is a box office hit – and he knows it.
Some fans believe Kyrgios is a wasted talent and lacks fitness, while others can’t get enough of his audacity.
Who else could get away with declaring that the current crop of players on the ATP circuit are “boring” as he prepares to return to the professional circuit after an 18-month injury layoff.
“We watch sport because we want personalities,” Kyrgios said ahead of his first-round match against British star Jacob Fearnley, which is sure to receive full coverage in Melbourne.
“Every time I go out on the field, I don’t know if I’m going to cause a big controversy in a good or bad way.
Throughout my career, it wasn’t always good, but it added a lot of excitement.
Whether you love or hate Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios, there’s no doubt he’s a box office buff – and he knows it (pictured with girlfriend Costin Hatze)
No one knew what to think when Nick Kyrgios got involved in commentary at the Open last year – he was a natural
I think this is important. There are a lot of good players on the tour now…..but I think there are not a lot of contrasting personalities.’
Away from the field, Canberra noted that Kyrgios is a skilled player. But more on that later.
The man who can list wins over Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on his resume has sponsors lining 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 behaviour, which includes tanking matches, a slur no player wants to be associated with.
Kyrgios is also not afraid to express his opinion – just ask Jannik Sinner.
The polarizing star knows many Australians recognize his immense talent, but are often frustrated when Kyrgios loses games he should be winning.
Like the majority of world-class tennis players, the sport has been kind to him financially.
Kyrgios has racked up more than $12 million in prize money since turning pro in 2013 – and while he occasionally splurges on luxury items like a Lamborghini, his girlfriend Costine Hatzi has been a stabilizing influence.
Nick Kyrgios showed off his superior talent on his way to the 2022 Wimbledon final (pictured)
Kyrgios was unable to play at the All England Club last year and played a gig with the BBC (pictured)
The loved-up couple are planning to settle down and have children, but Kyrgios is in no rush.
You get the sense that he’s enjoying riding the wave as his sporting career reaches its twilight stage – which is also why his other interests emerge.
Realistically, no one knew what to think when Kyrgios got involved in commentary at the Open last year – but he was a natural, with his agent Stuart Duguid astonished by his composure.
“In terms of commentary, I think if he wanted to, he could be the best ever. He will continue to improve,” he said.
“I mean his tennis IQ is a joke — he’s off the charts.” It’s probably one of the highest, if not the highest, which is why he’s done so well without a coach.
The man himself enjoyed being on the other side, and was quick to point out that “money is ridiculous.”
Not that he needed it, it was just that he was the perfect example of his Jekyll and Hyde character.
Kyrgios’ off-field interests have caught the eye – a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, the 29-year-old has invested in NBL South East Melbourne Phoenix as well as his own foundation and the Miami Pickleball Club.
Having struggled with injuries since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022 against all odds, Kyrgios may know deep down that this was his golden opportunity to win a Grand Slam singles title and silence his doubters.
Some tennis fans think Kyrgios is a wasted talent, while others can’t get enough of his audacity
Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic, arch enemies, recently played doubles together at the Brisbane International.
But with Kyrgios, expect the unexpected.
Who would have thought he would win the doubles title at the Australian Open three years ago with good mate Thanasi Kokkinakis after they entered the tournament “for a bit of a laugh”.
As for his future, Kyrgios himself may not know what projects he will dive into.
Tennis – along with a potential Grand Slam suspension – seems unlikely given that Kyrgios has often said that he “doesn’t like the sport, but he happens to be good at it”.
With the likes of Duguid in his corner, doors are sure to open.
It all depends on whether tennis’s greatest showman since John McEnroe chooses to walk through them.