Nick Kyrgios has recently emerged as a major highlight in the tennis community. After taking a long break and keeping himself engaged with different stints like commentary, the Australian ATP star has now announced his comeback to achieve some pending goals on his checklist. However, amid the ongoing discussions about his future in the sport, a comment came from Pat Rafter that eventually ended the long-standing feud between them. Looking at the positivity of his comment, Kyrgios also dropped a mirrored response.

Pat Rafter recently praised Nick Kyrgios, unfolding a surprise for fans – and even Kyrgios himself. Speaking to AAP, the Australian tennis legend acknowledged Kyrgios’ immense talent. “You would never write anyone off with the talent that Nick has,” Rafter said. “If he gets to the quarters, the semis, it wouldn’t surprise me.” Kyrgios, known for his wit and sharp responses, reacted to Rafter’s compliment on Instagram. He wrote, “Nicest thing Pat Rafter has ever said about me and my career.”

The interaction comes after a history of disagreements between the two. Back in 2023, Kyrgios had clashed with Rafter over comments about his behavior on the court. Rafter had criticized Kyrgios and his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, for their flamboyant style during their Australian Open 2022 doubles run. The duo, famously called the “Special Ks,” electrified fans with their high-energy matches and eventually won the doubles title. However, Rafter called their matches a “circus,” questioning their conduct.

“It’s an interesting one that is, because the players are really upset about it,” Rafter said on The Happy Slam podcast. “I don’t know how that operates with them and doesn’t really bother me either way. It’s a bit of a circus … doubles is a great event, it’s a lot of fun, and it helps you with singles, but it’s not where it’s at. But at the same time, it’s entertainment.”

Kyrgios fired back at Rafter on Twitter, defending himself and Kokkinakis. He said, “He would have absolutely zero idea on what the locker room thinks. Me and Kokk have great relationships with most of the players on tour. Guy is clueless.” Kyrgios dismissed Rafter’s comments as out of touch and irrelevant.

Kyrgios later showed his confidence when tickets for his exhibition match against Novak Djokovic sold out in under an hour. He highlighted the sell-out as proof of his ability to draw fans – taking a cheeky swipe at critics who questioned his popularity.

Nick Kyrgios gears up for a long-awaited comeback in Brisbane

Nick Kyrgios is set to make his highly anticipated return to tennis at the ATP Brisbane 2025. After more than a year and a half away from competitive play, Kyrgios will use the tournament as preparation for the Australian Open 2025. The time away from the sport has raised significant questions about his form, fitness, and mental readiness. Kyrgios, once a standout figure on the ATP Tour, now faces a circuit filled with rising stars and a faster, more competitive environment. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, his unmatched talent has drawn cautious optimism from tennis legends like Patrick Rafter.

Rafter, one of Australia’s most respected tennis voices, shared his perspective on Kyrgios’ potential comeback. “He’s an incredible talent. I don’t know what he’s been doing all this time, though,” Rafter admitted to AAP. Highlighting the challenges of returning after such a long absence, Rafter said, “He’s been out of this sport for a year and a half… it’s going to be interesting. I have no expectations or understanding of how things will go for him, but he has an impressive game.” While Rafter expressed doubts about Kyrgios’ ability to stay physically and mentally strong, he left the door open for a strong performance. “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,” he added.

Kyrgios faces unique challenges as he steps back onto the court. Using a protected ranking to enter Brisbane, he has no ATP points and will need wildcards to compete in most events. This comeback could define the next chapter of Kyrgios’ career, as he battles not only younger players but also the demands of a competitive schedule. Whether he succeeds or falters, all eyes will be on the Canberra native as he looks to rekindle his magic on the court.