Nick Kyrgios has expressed a strong desire to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the upcoming Australian Open, anticipating an exciting encounter following recent controversies regarding Sinner’s drug test results.
Having spent over a year recovering from wrist and knee injuries, Kyrgios recently shared his candid opinions on the Nothing Major podcast with players Jack Sock and John Isner, where he openly criticized the handling of Sinner’s situation.
Despite testing positive for clostebol before his victorious US Open run, Sinner avoided suspension due to a “no fault or negligence” ruling. This left Kyrgios questioning the sport’s integrity, stating, “The sport is cooked” in response to Sinner’s case.
The two-time Wimbledon finalist, preparing for his return at the Brisbane International before the Melbourne tournament, acknowledged the tension between himself and Sinner, admitting they “don’t like each other” and suggesting a potentially intense matchup.
“To be honest, I want to go out there and play Sinner,” Kyrgios declared. “Facing him at the Australian Open would give me the chance to engage the crowd against him and create a thrilling spectacle. Respect would be set aside; I’d do whatever it takes to win.”
Kyrgios emphasized his strategy to be controversial upon his return, contrasting his vibrant personality with Sinner’s calm demeanor, which he believes makes the sport more engaging. He noted, “We love sport for its diverse personalities. A match against Sinner in the third round of the Australian Open would captivate the audience with our contrasting styles. Our rivalry enhances the sport.”
However, Kyrgios is realistic about his current form, acknowledging uncertainties regarding his physical condition due to his injuries, having played only one match since Wimbledon 2023. “Every time I play, I spend an hour-and-a-half addressing my wrist afterward, experiencing tingling and a loss of feeling, showing I’m near the end of my fitness journey,” he explained. “I can’t see myself playing for more than another year and a half at most.”