Nick Kyrgios makes his feelings known after Pat Rafter predicts major Australian Open success despite past feud
Nick Kyrgios shared a lighthearted reaction after Pat Rafter said he could achieve major success at the 2025 Australian Open. Kyrgios announced his return to the court at the upcoming Brisbane International after a nearly two-year-long break.
Speaking earlier this week, Rafter shared his thoughts on Kyrgios, praising his "pretty amazing" talent. He added that it wouldn't surprise him if his compatriot reached the semifinals in Melbourne. He said (via AAP),
“You’d never write anyone off with the talent that Nick has. It’s pretty amazing. I really don’t know what he’s done, though. A year and a half off the game... so it’s going to be interesting.”
He added,
"If he gets to the quarters, the semis, it wouldn't surprise me."
Following this, Nick Kyrgios shared an Instagram story in which he shared his response to Rafter's comments. Kyrgios wrote:
“Nicest thing pat rafter has ever said about me or my career haha”
The duo have a history of clashes, with the former World No. 1 previously criticizing Kyrgios for claiming he didn’t get enough respect in Australia. In 2023, Rafter reignited the feud by calling Kyrgios' partnership with Thanasi Kokkinakis a "circus."
Nick Kyrgios: "I could come back now and beat 50% of players but I don’t want to do that"
Speaking on the "The Louis Theroux Podcast" in October, Nick Kyrgios made a confident claim about returning to the tour. The Australian has been struggling with serious knee and wrist injuries over the past two years, managing to play just one ATP singles match during that time, which he lost.
The Aussie revealed that while he could have returned as early as October, he chose to wait, wanting to deliver his best for his fans.
“I played a match last year… I could come back now and beat 50% of the players, but I don’t want to do that. My fans deserve to see a better version of me on the court.”
The 29-year-old added that he wasn't planning on playing on for long.
“I see how Andy Murray is doing it now and how Rafael is stepping away, and I don’t want to be like that either. I don’t want to feel like I’m crawling to the finish line.”
Nick Kyrgios will head to the Australian Open with a protected ranking of No. 21, looking to win his first singles Grand Slam title.