"Can play whatever I want" – Nick Kyrgios confidently eyes 2025 comeback, entertains Halloween costume idea and hints at new tattoo in fun interaction
Nick Kyrgios has announced his readiness to storm back into the main draw of any tournament he desires, courtesy of his protected ranking of 21. Kyrgios, who has faced a challenging couple of years plagued by injuries, is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback at the 2025 Australian Open.
Plagued by knee, foot, and wrist injuries over the past two years, the Aussie star has had to undergo multiple surgeries and endure extensive rehabilitation. His hiatus from the ATP tour saw him playing just one singles match during this period. Despite this, Kyrgios kept his presence felt in the tennis world through exhibition matches and commentary gigs at prestigious tournaments.
During a Q&A session on Instagram, Kyrgios shed light on his undeterred spirit and readiness to compete again. When a fan inquired about his participation in the 2025 Australian Open, Kyrgios responded with a clip of himself working out on a rowing machine and confidently stated:
"Protected ranking of 21 can play whatever I want."
During his Q&A, he entertained fans with light-hearted remarks about his Halloween costume choice, suggesting he might channel the iconic Freddy Krueger. The Aussie also teased fans about getting a new tattoo, posting a picture with his beloved dog and stating, "Friday."
Nick Kyrgios thinks he's outgrown his 'bad boy' image as he prepares for his Grand Slam comeback
Nick Kyrgios is gearing up for a dramatic return to the tennis scene in 2025, with a determined aim to silence his critics. Currently unranked on the ATP Tour, Kyrgios will benefit from the Protected Ranking system when he resumes competition next year.
In a recent interview with Code Sports, Kyrgios expressed his desire to capture a Grand Slam title—an achievement that has evaded him throughout his career—as he feels it’s the ultimate way to prove his doubters wrong.
“I am coming back because something is keeping me around the game. I have beaten pretty much every person that has been put in front of me, made a final of a Grand Slam, won a doubles title in a Grand Slam, won multiple titles and made money."
He further added:
“But I think the one thing that is now on my target is a Grand Slam. I think that will be the only thing that will shut people up at the end of the day. That’ll be my deep motivation."
The Aussie also noted that he has moved past the 'bad boy' image that defined the early part of his career.
"I don't see myself as a bad boy. I guess I was branded that just because I was a bit outside the circle of what a normal tennis player is. I don’t think I carry that perception with the Aussie public anymore. But at the start of my career, people thought I was like a murderer,"
Nick Kyrgios is set to participate in the World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi from December 19 to 22, marking his return to competitive action ahead of the Grand Slam.