With his return set for an ATP event in Melbourne prior to the
Australian Open next month,
Nick Kyrgios has stated he would like to "put on a show" for the fans at home.
The Australian is undoubtedly one of the most talented players on the ATP tour, although his dedication and on-court temperament have left him with poor results in recent years. Nonetheless, the former Top-15 player has produced some exceptional matches over his career, and here are ten of them, in no particular order.
1. Wimbledon 2021 vs Ugo Humbert - This first round clash saw Kyrgios prevail in five sets, although the match had to be postponed till the next day due to it beginning late at night.
2. Wimbledon 2014 vs Rafael Nadal - Kyrgios pulled off the upset of the tournament by defeating the Spaniard, firing 37 aces and hitting an astounding 70 winners.
3. Wimbledon 2016 vs Dustin Brown - With both men known for their flamboyant style of play and trick shots, it came as no surprise that it would go five sets. The Aussie prevailed in what was one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.
4. Australian Open 2021 vs Dominic Thiem - Oh, what could have been. Kyrgios garnered a two set lead, only to lose momentum and all Thiem back into the match. The Austrian would win in five sets, breaking the hearts of local fans who were electric in their support for Kyrgios.
5. Wimbledon 2019 vs Rafael Nadal - Their highly anticipated rematch saw Kyrgios aim a forehand directly at Nadal's chest, unapologetically claiming after the match that "he can take a ball to the chest." The Spaniard prevailed in four, with no love lost between both men judging from their post-match handshake.
6. Australian Open 2020 vs Karen Khachanov - The longest match of Kyrgios's career, this epic clash lasted four hours and 26 minutes.
7. Acapulco and Indian Wells 2017 vs Novak Djokovic - Kyrgios has the distinction of being undefeated against the World No.1. The Australian defeated Djokovic twice within a fortnight, first at the 2017 Acapulco Open where he hit 25 aces in an upset victory. Twelve days later, he fired 25 winners past Djokovic at Indian Wells to improve to 2-0 against the Serbian.
8. Madrid Open 2015 vs Roger Federer - Kyrgios defeated the Swiss Maestro in their first ever meeting, saving two match points to prevail in three thrilling tiebreaks 6-7 7-6 7-6.
9. Miami 2017 vs Roger Federer - Arguably one of the best matches that season, Kyrgios fell in three tight tiebreaks after three hours and 11 minutes.
10. Washington 2019 vs Stefanos Tsitsipas - Kyrgios hit 19 aces and saved a match point to prevail in three sets against his Greek rival. The Aussie even helped his opponent deliver his shoe, which needed relacing.