Nick Kyrgios claims to have the best ‘Tennis IQ’ in the sport’s history

Nick Kyrgios has been away from professional tennis for almost two years due to persistent injuries affecting his knee, foot, and wrist. During his time off the court, the 29-year-old has appeared in various media projects, including a podcast episode on the Let’s Trot Show, where he shared his thoughts on creating the ultimate tennis player.

In the discussion, Kyrgios picked Rafael Nadal for his forehand and fitness, even pairing Nadal's endurance with Lleyton Hewitt. He credited Novak Djokovic’s backhand, Roger Federer’s slice, and Alex de Minaur’s speed as other essential attributes for his hypothetical player.

However, when it came to serve and mental sharpness, Kyrgios didn't hesitate to choose himself. “I’ll give myself the serve,” he said. “I think I have the best serve pound for pound. I’m not the tallest out there, but my variation, rhythm, and ability to mix it up stand out.”

Kyrgios also highlighted his tennis IQ, pointing to his unique path to success. “I haven’t had a coach in six years,” he noted. “Making the Wimbledon final without one? I’m not sure anyone else has done that in tennis history. I’ll back myself on IQ.”

Now, Kyrgios is preparing for his long-awaited return. He’s set to compete in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi before officially stepping back onto the tour at the Brisbane International, building momentum for the Australian Open