Nick Kyrgios reacts on social media after Pat Rafter says he could reach the Australian Open semi-finals

by Admin
December 15, 2024

Nick Kyrgios will undoubtedly be among the players to watch at the 2025 Australian Open as he makes his long-awaited return from injury.

Kyrgios is back in training after a lengthy spell out with knee and wrist injuries, having last played in Stuttgart in the summer of 2023.

He will now make a Grand Slam return on home soil at the Australian Open, with Kyrgios set to play the Brisbane International as preparation.

His rival turned friend Novak Djokovic will also play in Brisbane, with the pair then potentially going face-to-face in Melbourne.

Djokovic beat Kyrgios in his only Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2022, despite the Australian having led by one set.

Photo by David Gray/Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios reacts to Pat Rafter’s 2025 Australian Open claim

Another ATP Tour star in Gael Monfils thinks Kyrgios can win a Grand Slam title, with two-time Grand Slam champion Pat Rafter having recently backed his compatriot to go far at the upcoming major tournament.

“You’d never write anyone off with the talent that Nick has… if he gets to the quarters, the semis, it wouldn’t surprise me,” said Rafter.

READ MORE: What Nick Kyrgios said about Novak Djokovic years ago that he now completely disagrees with

Kyrgios then shared the comments on his Instagram story, writing the words: “Nicest thing Pat Rafter has ever said about me or my career haha.”

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis to play 2025 Australian Open doubles

The comeback of Kyrgios is certainly a story in itself, particularly given that it will come in his home Grand Slam.

But he is undoubtedly capable of going far in Melbourne, although that will only happen with a fully-fit Kyrgios.

A kind draw would, of course, also help the former world number 13, who has massively struggled with injury issues in recent years.

READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios hints Novak Djokovic could be about to announce some ‘exciting news soon’

Despite those issues, the 29-year-old is currently in high spirits, and is seemingly as confident as ever ahead of his highly-anticipated return.

Australian great Rafter can certainly empathise with Kyrgios, having lost two Wimbledon finals during his career, although he did twice triumph at the US Open.

The latter meanwhile will also take part in Australian Open men’s doubles, having agreed to reunite with Thanasi Kokkinakis, a pairing that won the event in 2022.