“I used to be the youngest, now I’m the oldest player here”: Nick Kyrgios reflects on the moment he realized he became tennis’ veteran

Friday, 17 July 2026 at 06:30

Nick Kyrgios has spent most of his career as one of the youngest and most unpredictable personalities on the ATP Tour. Ahead of his appearance at UTS Rio, however, the Australian experienced a moment that made him reflect on how much his career has changed: he is no longer the young prospect entering the locker room, but one of the veterans watching the next generation arrive.

The former Wimbledon finalist will compete at Patrick Mouratoglou’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown event in Brazil, where he will face local players João Fonseca and 17-year-old Guto Miguel. The tournament will mark Kyrgios’ first meeting with Fonseca, while also giving the Australian another opportunity to compete in a format built around entertainment and personality.

For Kyrgios, sharing the locker room with younger players created an unexpected realization. The Australian recalled that he was once the teenager everyone was watching, but now finds himself in the opposite position, with rising stars looking up to his career.

“I was sitting with him (Guto) in the players’ lounge and I was thinking, ‘I’m the oldest player here’ — it kind of made me feel really old, because I used to be the youngest person in these rooms,” Kyrgios said to TennisMajors. “He said, ‘Man, I’m a big fan of your career’ — and now I’m starting to feel like I’ve been around a while."

Kyrgios sees himself in Brazil’s next generation

The Australian explained that hearing younger players speak about his career gave him a different perspective on his own journey, especially after years of being one of the most talked-about young players in tennis.

“I remember being that kid. I was number one junior in the world, feeling on top of the world,” the Australian added. “He’s going to be full of confidence, and I remember being that young kid playing in front of my home crowd. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Kyrgios is a fan favourite in his native Australia

Nick Kyrgios on court

Kyrgios arrives in Rio after returning to competition during the grass-court season, including appearances at Stuttgart, Halle and Wimbledon. While he remains unsure about his complete schedule for the rest of 2026, the Australian said he is enjoying every opportunity to compete again.

“I’m feeling great. I’ve been playing the last couple of weeks – Mallorca, Halle, Stuttgart – and Wimbledon was great too," Kyrgios said. "Just happy to be back at these events, and every week I’m able to play now is a bonus.”

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His first challenge in Rio will come against Guto Miguel, the 17-year-old Brazilian prospect who recently achieved success at junior Grand Slam level, after winning the French Open. Kyrgios said he can relate to the pressure and excitement Miguel will experience playing at home against a former Grand Slam finalist.

“Look, I remember being that kid. I was number one junior in the world, feeling on top of the world. He’s going to be full of confidence, and I remember being that young kid playing in front of my home crowd. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

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Kyrgios believes Fonseca can become a Grand Slam champion

The biggest attraction of UTS Rio will be Kyrgios’ first-ever meeting with João Fonseca, who will compete in front of his home crowd. The Australian has followed Fonseca’s rapid rise and believes the Brazilian has the qualities needed to become one of the leading players in the sport.

“Fonseca has the potential to win multiple Grand Slams. I look at his level, what he’s been able to produce, how quick his transition has been — he’s definitely got that X-factor, the work ethic, the level.”

Kyrgios will now look to bring his unique personality to UTS Rio, where entertainment and competition combine in a different environment from the traditional ATP Tour. For a player who once represented the new generation of tennis, the event will also serve as a reminder of how his own role has changed: from the young player trying to make an impact, to the veteran now sharing the court with the stars of tomorrow.

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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