Nick Kyrgios has always been a player who divides opinions throughout the tennis world.
The Australian’s talent is incredible, and he has delivered a number of compelling performances over the years, but his on-court antics and general ‘bad boy’ attitude put some fans off.
What is undeniable, though, is that Kyrgios is immensely popular among fans, with many tuning in to the sport just to see him play.
Despite the fact that he has been largely inactive in tennis for the past two years, the 30-year-old’s name is still mentioned continuously.
Speaking on the ‘Nothing Major‘ podcast, former American star Sam Querrey explained why he thinks Kyrgios is so popular.
Sam Querrey discusses Nick Kyrgios’ popularity among fans
When asked by co-host John Isner to name the best feud in tennis, Querrey answered: “Kyrgios vs the world.
“I feel like, you know, he just kind of looks for fights. He thinks he’s all, you know, he kind of plays the victim card all the time for no reason.
Do you think Nick Kyrgios wasted his talent?
“But that’s his shtick, you know, that’s why he’s so popular. If you ask around the world, an average sports fan who do you want to watch play tennis, they’re like, Sinner, Alcaraz, Novak, Federer, Nadal, Kyrgios.
“He makes that list because Nick just stirs around controversy and has all these… not crazy takes but just outbursts, and that’s what makes him popular, so for me, it’s Kyrgios vs the world.”
Nick Kyrgios’ next big appearance in tennis
Kyrgios’ last appearance at an ATP Tour-level event came at the Washington Open, where he played doubles alongside Gael Monfils.
He has played in some exhibitions, though, and his next big feature in tennis will come at the ‘Battle of the Sexes.’
Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Kyrgios in an exhibition match on the 28th of December.
Who do you think will win the 2025 Battle of the Sexes?
The match will be over three sets, and Sabalenka’s side of the court will be 9% smaller than Kyrgios’, due to ‘Evolve’, the organisers of the event, claiming female players move 9% slower on average than males.
The ‘Battle of the Sexes’ has been criticised, with many arguing it will simply belittle women’s sports.
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