This year has not panned out well for Nick Kyrgios. After a Wimbledon final last year, many expected that he would reach even greater heights this season. But he has been absent from tour ever since the beginning of the year due to recovery from surgery. However, Kyrgios will return for a major tennis event, not as a player but as a coach to none other than Frances Tiafoe.

For those who follow every move of Nick Kyrgios, the partnership of the two comes off as no surprise. Kyrgios and Tiafoe have been good friends for a long time. 

Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe prepare together for a showdown

When the year began, media and critics alike named Kyrgios the favorite for the Australian Open. Unfortunately, the player had to announce his withdrawal due to knee surgery. The procedure took a long time to recover, and Kyrgios was set to come back to Wimbledon. However, a recent injury prevented him from playing as he withdrew not long before the tournament began. 

Along with his absence from Wimbledon, he also announced his withdrawal from US Open. But the country will not be devoid of the presence of the Aussie player. He will be in the country, coaching his long-time friend and ATP rank 10, Frances Tiafoe. The two have partnered up for the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Los Angeles. 

The news was announced on their Instagram page with the caption, “We’re not lying to you. This is tennis like you’ve never seen it before. King Kyrgios will coach @bigfoe1998 this weekend for the UTS Los Angeles.”

The tournament was first organized by Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou in response to the COVID-19 situation in 2020. The event follows a different format from other tennis tournaments. Along with mighty action, players will witness a partnership between long-time friends.

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Despite their competitive spirit shining through, the duo shares a close relationship.

The decorated Tennis stars enjoy a close bond

In an interview with Tennis TV in 2021, Kyrgios revealed the name of his close friends on tour. He wanted to play it safe so as to not offend anyone. He gave the names of Jack Sock, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson, and others. Along with them, Frances Tiafoe also resided on the list. The interview took place after the National Bank Open 2021. 

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Seeing the name of Tiafoe on the list, fans can expect that the coach-student partnership of the two will pan out well.