After nearly 12 months away from competitive tennis due to wrist and knee injuries that required surgery, Nick Kyrgios is thrilled to announce his comeback in 2025. While he was away from the court, Kyrgios enjoyed commentating for ESPN and BBC at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. But in the end, he missed playing on the court. Now that he is back, can the Aussie turn back the clock?

Experts have mixed opinions on Kyrgios’ comeback. While some are backing his talent, others remain skeptical due to his long absence from competitive play. Former Australian player Patrick Rafter shared his thoughts.“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 playing at a competitive level is totally different from training,” Rafter said.

The former pro emphasized that Kyrgios’ 12 months off the court will be a significant challenge, especially against top players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. All these players are eager to clinch Grand Slams next season. On the other hand, Nick has not played in over a year, which is why Rafter advised keeping expectations low: “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.”

Although Kyrgios has proven his caliber in the past, clinching seven titles since his debut in 2013, he hasn’t won a Grand Slam yet. This could fuel his desire going into the 2025 season, but Rafter remains cautious, given that Kyrgios’ wrist and knee have only just healed from the surgeries. The former Australian pro stated, “Can he maintain it? Can his body hold up physically? Can his mind hold up as well? Those are his major challenges, especially his body.”

Undoubtedly the competition will be fierce. Not only does Nick have to adjust to the intensity of the sport, but also has to maintain his caliber on the court. As Rafter noted, “He’s been out of this sport for a year and a half… it’s going to be interesting.” Adding to the intrigue is Kyrgios’ current situation without a coach. The road ahead seems to be anything but easy. But Nick is confident in himself.

Nick explains why he doesn’t have a coach

Nick Kyrgios has built a reputation for navigating the ATP tour without a coach. A tradition he plans to continue into 2025. Back in 2020, he was candid about his decision, stating, “Personally, I think (hiring a coach) is a little bit of a waste of money ’cause I think they get paid way too much.” He explained that at this stage in his career, he feels too set in his ways to benefit from coaching. “I just want to do it my way, have fun with it, and just play,” he added. This blunt honesty reflects Kyrgios’ desire to enjoy the game on his terms.

Despite his solo approach, Kyrgios did experiment with coaching early in his career. After turning pro in 2013, he briefly worked with Desmond Tyson and then Simon Rea. Under whom he had a breakthrough performance at Wimbledon in 2014. However, after reaching the quarter-finals as a wildcard entry at just 19 years old, Kyrgios parted ways with Rea. He continued to shuffle coaches, including Todd Larkham and Josh Eagle, but these partnerships often ended before significant tournaments. By 2022, Eagle remarked that Kyrgios was “uncoachable,” highlighting the challenges of working with such a free-spirited player.

Now he’s gearing up for the Australian Open in 2025 without a coach, raising questions about how this will affect his performance against top players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Kyrgios himself remains confident. He asserts that he has a high tennis IQ compared to the sport’s elite. As he prepares for another season on his own terms, will this unconventional path lead to success or more unpredictability on the court? Share your thoughts in the comments below!