Nick Kyrgios has stirred up conversation with a bold claim about his “tennis IQ,” suggesting that it surpasses that of some of the greatest players to ever grace the sport, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray.
The Australian, known for his unorthodox style and candid personality, recently discussed his career during an appearance on the Let’s Trot Show. Reflecting on his own journey, Kyrgios pointed to his 2022 Wimbledon run—where he reached the final without a coach—as a testament to his sharp tennis acumen. “I’ve played against Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, and Murray. I have a higher tennis IQ than them,” Kyrgios said. “This is a tough one to answer because I haven’t had a coach for six years. I don’t know if anyone in tennis history has made it to a Wimbledon final without one. So, for IQ, I’d probably take myself.”
Kyrgios’s claim to a higher tennis IQ doesn’t just rest on the bold words. His remarkable 2022 Wimbledon journey is one of the standout moments of his career, despite losing in four sets to Djokovic in the final. His career statistics against the Big Four are intriguing: he boasts a 2-1 record over Djokovic, while facing tougher battles with Nadal (3-6), Federer (1-6), and Murray (1-6).
Beyond his record, Kyrgios’s unique approach to the game—without the guidance of a full-time coach—has prompted many to wonder about his untapped potential. His defiance of conventional methods and reliance on his instincts have made him a disruptive force in the tennis world.
However, the past couple of years have not been kind to Kyrgios. A serious wrist injury sidelined him for most of 2023, with only one match played since October of 2022. Yet, the 29-year-old is gearing up for his comeback, with plans to return to action at the Brisbane International ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. Reflecting on the severity of his injury, Kyrgios explained, “The wrist injury I had was brutal. The surgeon said I probably wouldn’t be able to play again. But I said, whatever, just try and get me another two to three years of my career.”
Kyrgios has certainly faced his share of challenges, but his passion for the game remains unwavering. “It’s been a brutal last couple of years,” he admitted, “but just being out there to play in front of a home crowd… I just want to be out there, lighting up the crowd and playing in front of my own country. Whether it’s good or bad, it’ll be a lot of fun, for sure.”
With his sights set firmly on a Grand Slam victory, Kyrgios’s motivation for his comeback is crystal clear: “My only motivation to come back and play is to try and win a Grand Slam, and I’ll give it one more shot.”
As he prepares for a fresh chapter in his career, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if Kyrgios can bring his unique blend of talent, personality, and determination back to the court and make another run at tennis’s biggest prizes.