Nick Kyrgios surprisingly picks this ATP star in ‘speed’ ahead of the Big 3 as he creates his ‘perfect’ tennis player

Nick Kyrgios is expected to make his long-awaited comeback to the court at the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios surprisingly picks this ATP star in ‘speed’ ahead of the Big 3 as he creates his ‘perfect’ tennis player

Nick Kyrgios (Image via Sky Sports)

Nick Kyrgios has barely played a competitive tournament over the past two years, but his self-confidence remains the way it was when on the court. The Aussie named an ATP star for his perfect tennis speed while snubbing Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.

Recently, Kyrgios appeared on the Let’s Trot Show where he was asked to build his perfect tennis player, and he named some of the best. He placed Nadal as the best forehand, Djokovic as the best backhand, and Federer as the best slice. Then, the Aussie surprisingly placed Alex de Minaur for the most speed, while Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt tied for best fitness.

YouTube video

The former World No. 13 left two categories to fill. And when he was asked, he said he himself had the best tennis IQ and serve in the game. He explained that the reason he chose himself was because he is a “pound for pound” player and has not had a coach in the past six years of his career.

Serve, I’ll take myself. I’ve got to throw myself in on one of these. I think I do have, pound for pound, the best serve. I’m not super tall for a tennis player these days… But pound for pound, I’ll take myself. I think variation, second serve, first serve, rhythm. For IQ, this is a hard one because I haven’t had a coach in 6 years. I don’t know if in the history of tennis anyone made a Wimbledon final without a coach. So IQ, I would take myself.

Nick Kyrgios said via Let’s Trot Show

Kyrgios has been away from the court for over a year but has remained in the spotlight. He joined several media giants like ESPN and Tennis Channel as commentator and analyst. Recently, he slammed Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek for their doping case with fiery rhetoric on social media.

He is next expected to make his long-awaited comeback to the court at the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open. The Australian star suffered a knee and foot injury in 2023, which he has fully recovered from following surgeries.

Tennis legend believes Nick Kyrgios will reach the quarter or semifinals of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios’ last Grand Slam event was at the US Open in 2022. He reached the quarterfinals of the tournament but eventually lost to Russia’s Karen Khachanov. In fact, that year, he reached his maiden major final at Wimbledon but lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios (Via Imago)

The 29-year-old is looking forward to featuring at the Australian Open after more than two years away from major events. With his comeback to Melbourne Park in 2025, tennis legend Pat Rafter has shared that he believes Kyrgios can reach the quarter or semifinals of the Grand Slam event.

When I say I have no expectations, I mean I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he made it to the quarterfinals or semifinals, but I wouldn’t be surprised either if he lost in the first round. You would never entirely dismiss a guy with the talent Kyrgios has. He’s an incredible talent. I don’t know what he’s been doing all this time, though. He’s been out of this sport for a year and a half… it’s going to be interesting.

Pat Rafter said via AAP

Kyrgios has only played one ATP match since 2022 and that came at the Stuttgart Open in 2023. Since then, the 29-year-old has been plagued with several injuries. However, having not played a single in 2024, it is very unlikely he will be at his best game at the Australian Open.