Nick Kyrgios Puts Himself at Par With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in an Elite Category of Tennis

Nick Kyrgios is still unsure of his tennis return and made it clear that he will not return until he feels conditions are safe to play. He is spending his time mostly at his home in Canberra, following the sport meanwhile, and ‘pulling up those who need to be pulled up for their actions’.

At the same time, Kyrgios is also constantly reminding fans and the tennis community that he is one of the biggest crowd-pullers of the sport, with or without fans in stadiums.

On Thursday, a leading sports business reporter informed that the broadcast ratings for the US Open 2020 have reduced significantly. He also revealed the reasons for the same. One of those reasons, he says, is the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Nick Kyrgios continues cheeky references

“Through first 8 days of @usopen ratings on ESPN down 46 percent. ESPN notes overlap between NBA and tennis fans hurting the Open figures. No Rafa and Federer too,” Daniel Kaplan tweeted.

To this, Kyrgios replied in his usual cheeky style. He gave his opinion on who he believes also contribute largely to bringing crowds to tennis, be it at stadiums or on TV.

‘Crowd-puller’ Kyrgios

This is the second such instance recently where Nick Kyrgios mentioned crowd-pullers in tennis, and subtly gave a reference along with it to include himself. Last week, he praised youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime after the Canadian beat Andy Murray at the US Open. He said that he reminds Auger-Aliassime of ‘someone’.

Kyrgios’ sometimes indirect but highly suggestive style of comments could very well mean he referred to himself. That’s what many fans believe too.

Kyrgios has been active outside the tennis court as well. Recently, he took another dig at Novak Djokovic and others and said he will continue to hold players accountable for their actions.

The 25-year-old Aussie star last played at the Acapulco Open in February. He is in no hurry to return to tennis and wants to ensure that the threat of the pandemic subsides before he returns. Kyrgios said he will target the Australian Open for a return, if the event does happen.