Nick Kyrgios resurfaces with blind ranking of tennis legends: Sinner third, Serena fifth

Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 06:30

Nick Kyrgios has resurfaced on social media with a blind ranking of tennis greats, featuring Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Jannik Sinner, Andre Agassi and Serena Williams. The Australian took part in an Instagram video using the popular format, in which participants must assign positions to players without knowing which names will be revealed next.

The appearance offers a glimpse of Kyrgios away from the court after a period in which injuries and off-court controversy have limited his presence in tennis. The former Wimbledon runner-up has remained outspoken about the sport, particularly when it comes to Sinner, with whom he has clashed publicly over the Italian’s doping case.

Kyrgios has also been in the headlines for his own anti-doping case, after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite at an event in Mallorca earlier this year. He subsequently announced that he would step away from the public spotlight for 28 days, making his latest appearance on Instagram another opportunity to see the Australian outside the competitive arena.

The video also featured a joke about Kyrgios himself. Towards the end, he said he had known the other person would put him at No. 1, adding that he had been waiting for that moment all week.

Sinner third as Djokovic tops Kyrgios’ ranking

Kyrgios initially placed Sinner at No. 3, a notable choice given their history of public disagreements. The Australian was among the Italian’s most vocal critics after Sinner tested positive for clostebol in March 2024.

An independent tribunal found that Sinner bore no fault or negligence, concluding that the substance had entered his system through contamination. WADA later appealed before reaching a settlement with Sinner in February 2025, resulting in a three-month suspension.

Sinner and Kyrgios shake hands at the net in Miami after their match

Kyrgios repeatedly questioned the handling of the case and the difference in treatment between players facing doping allegations. Their exchanges became one of the most prominent off-court rivalries in men’s tennis. Placing Sinner third in the blind ranking does not settle their differences, but it puts the Italian among the players Kyrgios was asked to assess.

Serena Williams ended up fifth, meaning the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was placed below the other names in the final order. Djokovic took the top position, with Federer second and Andre Agassi fourth. The format requires participants to commit to each position as the names appear, without being able to rearrange the list at the end.

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios celebrate a point together during their doubles participation in the Brisbane International 2025.

Djokovic’s first-place finish also reflects the relationship he has developed with Kyrgios. The pair were once openly critical of one another, but their dynamic changed during Djokovic’s 2022 visa controversy in Australia, when Kyrgios publicly defended the Serbian.

Their relationship subsequently developed into a friendship, with Kyrgios describing it as a “bit of a bromance”. They later met in the Wimbledon final that year, where Djokovic won in four sets, and have since exchanged friendly public comments.

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Kyrgios returns after cocaine-related suspension

Kyrgios’ Instagram appearance follows the revelation that he tested positive for a cocaine metabolite in a sample collected at the Mallorca tournament in June 2026.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the finding in August. Kyrgios accepted responsibility and apologised to his family, fans and sponsors, while announcing that he would spend 28 days away from the public spotlight.

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The ITIA subsequently confirmed that Kyrgios accepted a one-month suspension after explaining that the cocaine use had occurred socially outside competition.

His suspension ended on September 3, subject to completion of an approved treatment programme. The case added to a difficult period for the Australian, whose career has also been disrupted by knee and wrist injuries since his run to the 2022 Wimbledon final.

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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