“I think we watch sport because we want personalities,” said Nick Kyrgios about his return to the Grand Slam court. The Aussie last competed at a Grand Slam in 2022, when he lost to Karen Khachanov in the US Open quarterfinals. Ahead of her return to the Australian Open this year, Kyrgios featured at the Brisbane International only to lose to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the singles. Amid his comeback, Kyrgios remains under the scrutiny for his controversial remarks. Although he has also faced criticism for not toning down his opinions, the Aussie player remains unapologetic saying he is “honest about things.” Reflecting on his fierce attitude, one of his compatriots dropped an interesting comment highlighting why it’s always fun to watch Nick Kyrgios.

Kyrgios gears up for his first match in the 2025 Melbourne major two years after recovering from a wrist surgery. And he had a it of a warm up in Brisbane, where although he lost in singles, his doubles run fuelled his supporters’ expectations since he partnered with the legendary Novak Djokovic and put on a scintilating show in the first round, beating the doubles specialists Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies. Despite this eye-catching collaboration though, Kyrgios and Djokovic exited the doubles event after losing against Michael Venus and Nikola Mektić in the Round of 16.

Kyrgios will now play his first 2025 Australian Open singles against Britain’s Jacob Fearnley tomorrow at John Cain Arena. He will also pair up with his former partner Thanasi Kokkinakis for the doubles event, which he last won in 2022 with Kokkinakis only. The ATP star, known for his straightforward and unapologetic comments is one of those players who have been the center of attention in Melbourne. Upon his return to the season’s first Grand Slam event, Dylan Alcott, the Australian wheelchair tennis player, made an interesting remark during his discussion in a pre-match buildup session for the Australian Open.

“Who says he needs times up. But I am gonna tell you it’s gonna be at the box office while he is at the sport,” said Alcott shedding light on the Aussie star’s popularity ahead of the Melbourne major. After this, the host explained how many people would come to watch the major tournament just to see Nick Kyrgios. “My B*m will be on my seat,” Alcott responded revealing that he is as excited as the Australian crowd to watch Nick Kyrgios perform at a Grand Slam event after two years.

Like Alcott, former pro Andy Roddick has also backed Nick Kyrgios to draw attention at the 2025 Australian Open. “There’s going to be more interest in tennis if Nick finally commits, gets in shape, and really gives it a run [at the Australian Open]. I’m not sure we’ve ever seen that, and I hope he does it because he is that talented. You can have a lot of opinions and be a controversial figure, but the thing that makes him fascinating is that after a two-year layoff, I’m being asked if he’s a contender. It’s a tip of the cap to his talent level, which no one has any doubts about because he’s a phenomenal tennis player,” Roddick said.

Daniil Medvedev was another player who recently complimented Kyrgios highlighting that if Kyrgios is fit, “he’s a contender” for the Slam. The Russian ATP star further said Kyrgios is “definitely great for tennis,” if he is healthy. “Would love to see him play against Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik [Sinner]. His biggest weapon is his serve, [and] he has the skills and the hands, I’m only happy if he comes back to tennis,” Medvedev added.

Interestingly, Nick Kyrgios also offered his perspectives about playing at the 2025 Australian Open. He even made a tongue-in-cheek remark about how his absence from the sport made it dull.

Nick Kyrgios thought “the sport was getting a bit mundane” without him

Nick Kyrgios expressed great excitement about returning to the Grand Slam. Speaking about his return, he said, “For me being back, it adds a bit of question marks to what is going to happen today. I love that. Every time I step out on the court, I don’t know if I’m going to be super controversial in a good or bad way.” 

The ATP star accepted that his presence on tour might not always trigger positive conversations but it would “a lot of excitement,” that’s for sure. Giving himself a pat on the back, Kyrgios praised his quirky personality. “I’ve always been someone that’s played my brand of tennis, and I guess my personality, I haven’t changed since I was 10 years old. It’s good to be back. I think the sport was getting a bit mundane,” said Kyrgios.

Kyrgios’ run at the 2025 Brisbane International saw some lingering issues with his fitness. He picked up an abdominal strain in the tournament. He also felt he would “almost need a miracle” for his “wrist to hold up” in the Australian Open tournament. However, he seems to have overcome those setbacks with a renewed spirit for the Melbourne major.

“After Brisbane, it was really encouraging. Obviously, my body was struggling a bit, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to try to build on that’. Then I had a little bit more of a setback. It’s just part of the game. Niggles. I don’t think anyone really feels a 100 percent. As long as it’s not something like my wrist again, I can manage it,” Kyrgios remarked.

Kyrgios’ presence at the 2025 Australian Open will surely attract more crowd to watch the Happy Slam. While his eccentric personality will be under the spotlight, his form will also be scrutinized by his followers. Kyrgios will be up against the Brit Jacob Fearnley in the first round tomorrow. Do you think the Aussie can prove his potential at the 2025 Australian Open? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.