Nick Kyrgios has shared his thoughts on a
potential matchup against Jannik Sinner at the upcoming Australian Open. The
29-year-old Australian has announced his return to the ATP Tour, starting with
the Brisbane International, marking his comeback after two years with only one
match played due to injuries.

Kyrgios underwent knee and wrist surgeries that
had him contemplating retirement. However, he’s now ready for his first ATP
tournament, which will serve as preparation for Melbourne, where he aims to
build competitive momentum.

Kyrgios outlines chaotic game plan for Sinner

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up has been vocal
about Sinner’s doping controversy, which surfaced when the Italian tested
positive for clostebol twice in Indian Wells. The case, revealed in August,
just before Sinner’s US Open victory, ended with no suspension after an appeal
and a finding of “no fault or negligence” by the ITIA.

The news stirred mixed reactions in the tennis
world, and Kyrgios, known for his candidness, has repeatedly criticised Sinner
and the handling of his case, particularly on social media. Speaking on the
“Nothing Major” podcast, Kyrgios expressed his competitive spirit and
eagerness to face Sinner.

“A part of me thinks why am I going to go out
there and put myself in the pressure cooker of playing again. You have so many
eyes on you,” Kyrgios shared.
“Especially with me, I feel like everyone is just waiting for that moment. I am
going to mess up or do something crazy and it’s going to explode,” he added.

Reflecting on a potential clash with Sinner,
Kyrgios revealed his game plan:
“Let’s be honest, I just want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner.
I thought about this [the game plan]. If I played him in the Australian Open, I
would just get every single person in the crowd to get on him. I would just
turn it into an absolute riot. All respect would go out the window and I would
just do anything to win.”

Kyrgios also highlighted how the contrasting
personalities between him and Sinner would add excitement to the sport. “I feel
like why we love sport is because you have to have contrast in personalities,”
he said. “If I draw Sinner in the Australian Open third round, everyone will
watch because it’s contrasting personalities. We don’t like each other, and I
think it’s healthy in sport.”

Sinner, meanwhile, was previously asked about
Kyrgios’ criticism but refrained from engaging. “I don’t know. I don’t want to
respond to what he said,” the 2-time Grand Slam champion remarked. “Everyone is
free to say everything. It’s ok. If that is the case, let’s see. It’s gonna be
different for sure (laughing). I don’t know what to say.”

Sinner concluded: “Maybe I say something now
and then the reaction will be something else. I’m always quite relaxed. I’m
someone who forgets things quite fast. Everyone is free to say everything. It
is what it is.”