Kyrgios-Sinner in the final would be a blockbuster": Sam Querrey predicts dream showdown at the Australian Open

Former world No. 11 Sam Querrey shared his desire for an Australian Open match he'd love to see: none other than Jannik Sinner facing local talent Nick Kyrgios. The American believes the best possible match-up would be a clash between these two talents, made even spicier by months of controversy.

Without a doubt, Jannik Sinner arrives as the main favourite for the Australian Open title, both as defending champion and titleholder. Kyrgios, on the other hand, despite showing the ability to make a deep run in Grand Slam tournaments, is only just returning from a long two-year injury layoff.

Since the Jannik Sinner doping case surfaced, Kyrgios has relentlessly targeted the Italian, seizing every opportunity—especially on social media—to slam the world No. 1. The Aussie has been critical of how the case was handled, repeatedly claiming that Sinner should have faced a suspension.

On the Nothing Major Podcast, where Querrey is a presenter, Kyrgios expressed his eagerness to face Sinner. “Let’s be honest, I just want to go out there and really play Sinner,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve thought about this (the game plan). If I played him at the Australian Open, I would get every single person in the crowd on my side. I would turn it into an absolute riot."

During a Tennis Channel broadcast, Querrey was asked, "As a fan, which match-up would you most want to see? If you could pick any match-up right now, what would it be?"

“I want to watch Rublev against Fonseca on the men’s side, literally the first match,” commented Sam Querrey. “The qualifier Fonseca is the match I highlighted. If I can watch one match, any match of the first round, that's the one I’d watch,” he added.

When asked again if he could choose any potential match-up during the entire tournament, Querrey responded: “Throughout the whole tournament? Kyrgios vs. Sinner in the first round. If I could pick anything, that’s it. Well, Kyrgios vs. Sinner in the final would be a blockbuster."

The American seems to have taken note of Kyrgios's comments, as the Australian previously insisted on the podcast that Melbourne Park would be the ideal setting for such a showdown. "I think what makes sport exciting is the contrast in personalities," he said. "If I draw Sinner in the third round of the Australian Open, everyone will watch because of the clashing personalities. We don’t like each other, and I think that’s healthy in sports," stated the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up.

With the tournament draw revealed, both players know their paths. Sinner will debut against a tough opponent in Nicolas Jarry, with whom he shares a 1-1 head-to-head record. In their last encounter at the 2024 China Open, the Chilean won the first set before Sinner ultimately claimed victory.

Kyrgios, on his part, debuts against Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, though questions persist regarding his physical condition. While the encounter won't be easy, Querrey’s dream scenario cannot be ruled out: the two players are on opposite sides of the draw, meaning they could only meet in a potential final.