$10 million or a Grand Slam? Nick Kyrgios gives his surprising verdict

Nick Kyrgios is preparing for his return to the tour in 2024, with the Brisbane International as his first challenge and a few weeks later, his comeback at the Australian Open. The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up will make his much-anticipated return after playing just one match in the past two seasons.

Throughout his career, the Australian has been plagued by injuries, reaching a breaking point in 2023, when he had to undergo surgery on his knee and wrist, resulting in a long absence from competition and even rumors about a potential retirement.

Kyrgios chooses $10 Million over Grand Slam victory

The 29-year-old won the Australian Open men's doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis in 2022, and they will team up again in Melbourne in search of repeating their title for the locals. That same year, Kyrgios had a surprising run at Wimbledon, where he finished as the runner-up after losing to Novak Djokovic in the final 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-7.

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Kyrgios recently responded in an interview on the “Nothing Major” podcast, hosted by former American tennis players John Isner, Jack Sock, Steve Johnson, and Sam Querrey. The Australian was asked if he would prefer to be given $20 million or win his first Grand Slam title. “$20 million, are you serious?” he asked.

Then, former world No. 11 Querrey lowered the bet. “$10 million?” he asked. At that point, Kyrgios replied, “$10 million, right now.” “I’m just saying a Slam is not that important. I guess we found out that tennis is still very business-like, it’s sort of a business thing to me.”

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Kyrgios’ comments come shortly after Alexander Bublik mentioned that he would reject $15 million, as he would prefer to go down in history as a Grand Slam champion rather than earning money. “$15 million you can make, this is the money you can make if you are a tennis player,” he said.

“The joy of winning a slam would stay there, and history would stay there. Nobody will remember you as the guy who chose $15 million.”