Nick Kyrgios has constantly divided opinion throughout his tennis career, which is set to continue in 2026.
But before his return to the ATP Tour, Kyrgios will take on Aryna Sabalenka in a Battle of the Sexes match later this month.
It represents one of a number of exhibition events that Australian icon Kyrgios has been taking part in ahead of the 2026 season.
Kyrgios will play at the Brisbane International next month, having played just nine times on the ATP Tour in 2025 across singles and doubles.
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Greg Rusedski thinks Nick Kyrgios is ‘good for the game’
Ahead of Kyrgios’ return, former British number one Greg Rusedski has been discussing the Australian’s relationship with tennis.
He said on Off Court with Greg: “The thing is that I think he is different. He is kind of like John McEnroe, but John McEnroe was desperate to win, so he had that angry, rage and bad boy spirit but he gave 110%.
“Nick has the talent, but it depends on the day how he feels. If he feels like it, he’s brilliant. If he doesn’t, he can’t. You can’t do that any more.
“It’s just not possible with the way [Jannik] Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz have stepped up tennis to a different level. I miss that outspokenness. That’s why Kyrgios is popular. He is very outspoken and gives you headlines.
“But the frustrating part for me is that I would have loved to have seen him fulfil his full potential out there by putting in the extra work, but maybe that is not for him.
“I could be completely and utterly wrong, but if you put 110% into something and fail, then you just have to take ownership and say maybe I was not good enough. That could possibly be it.
“But I’m not inside his mind and don’t know what he thinks. Maybe he is really happy doing the media and doing exhibitions and doing those things.
“So enjoy your life, but if God gives you a talent that he has got, because it is a God-given talent, and one of the only other guys who I could say is like that is [Roger] Federer. The most beautiful tennis players you have ever seen.
“If you get that benefit of having that sort of talent, you want to think did I win a major? Did I manage to get to number one?
“Because when you get to 50 and you’re losing your hair and you’re getting a bit older, you think to yourself did I maximise my career?
“Could I have done more? You still always have those question marks. Maybe he doesn’t, maybe he never will.
“The other thing is that Kyrgios is scathing about other people but he doesn’t like it when it goes the opposite way.
“He talks about these things and if you are going to do that to other people then you have got to expect it to come back. Maybe you have a big following but then you have got to think that is the way that life goes.
“If you put yourself in the spotlight as a tennis player or a commentator, you are going to have people who like you. He is Marmite, I have described him. You either love him or hate him.
“I have always been super positive because I think he is good for the game. But when he hangs them all up, will he look back when he is my age at 52 and say what if?”
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What has Nick Kyrgios achieved on the ATP Tour?
Kyrgios’ career is certainly an intriguing one, with the Australian having once been one of the most exciting players in tennis.
He burst onto the scene with flair, confidence and creativity, quickly enjoying success on the ATP Tour and defeating high-profile names in the process.
Kyrgios has seven ATP titles to his name, and once reached 13th in the world rankings, as well as the 2022 Wimbledon final.
He also achieved Grand Slam doubles success, winning the 2022 Australian Open title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
But injuries, along with arguably a lack of effort, have really hampered his progress, with the 30-year-old now ranked 671st in the world.
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