Before heading to Melbourne Park, Nick Kyrgios will make his comeback at the Brisbane International, where he will play singles and doubles alongside Novak Djokovic.

Kyrgios will then make his first appearance at the Australian Open since 2022 and hopes to take on World number and defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Does Nicolas Mahut think Nick Kyrgios could beat Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open?

Kyrgios has had plenty to say about Sinner on social media since it was announced the Italian tested positive for banned substance clostebol.

During an episode of the Nothing Major Podcast on Saturday, the former World number 13 says he wants to face Sinner at the Australian Open. Kyrgios then claimed he would try and get his home fans to turn on Sinner in an effort to win a psychological battle.

But five-time Grand Slam doubles winner Nicolas Mahut, thinks should the pair face off in Australia, Sinner would win comfortably. “I don’t like these kind of statements,” the Frenchman told Eurosport.

“He has the right to have an opinion on Sinner’s positive test, everyone is free to think what they want, but to inflame the situation like this… Sinner has never disrespected anyone, he is the world No. 1, so it’s unnecessary.”

“I think all things before the game are trickier for Sinner to do than the game itself. Kyrgios hasn’t played for a long time and of course you can dream of the title at the Australian Open, but you also have to remain realistic. Even if the crowd gets excited, Sinner is going to win that with 6-3’s.”

Has Nick Kyrgios played Jannik Sinner before?

Kyrgios has planned Sinner on just one occasion, and that came back in March 2022. The pair played in the round of 16 at the Miami Open, with the two-time Grand Slam winner claiming a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory.

Before their clash at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, Kyrgios and Sinner were due to play at the previous tournament in Indian Wells. However, Sinner withdrew and Kyrgios was given a walkover into the next round, where he played Rafael Nadal.

Kyrgios has been one of the most vocal players about Sinner’s two failed drug tests, but he thinks any potential battle with Sinner in Australia would be good for tennis.

“I feel like why we love sport is because you have to have contrast in personalities,” he added. “If I draw Sinner in the Australian Open third round everyone will watch because of the contrasting personalities, we don’t like each other and I think it’s healthy in sport.”

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