Nick Kyrgios and John McEnroe are two of the most entertaining, and controversial figures that tennis has ever had.
Both boasting fiery temperaments, and thus acting far from what many might consider to be “proper” within the sport, their uniqueness makes tennis what it is today.
Back during his peak years in the 1980s, the American was unafraid to let his feelings be known, whether that be to an umpire or a reporter.
Nick Kyrgios has acted in a similar fashion since his emergence onto the tour, thus explaining their recent relationship.
Nick Kyrgios outlines what he wants to do with John McEnroe
Asked to compare himself with the legendary McEnroe, naturally, Kyrgios saw the similarities.
He opened up about their relationship, and what he hopes to do with the American in the future, telling talkSPORT: ‘Yeah, me and John definitely share some similarities on the court. We’re definitely a bit hot-headed.
‘But yeah, John’s an amazing guy and he’s been a captain for the Laver Cup and I’ve played the Laver Cup a couple of times with him and you know, I was, you know, picking his brains and learning a lot of things on the court with him and I’m sad to say I’ve never had a drink with him, where I would love to.’
Then asked if he felt his potential had been squandered, he disagreed: ‘I look back at, you know, where I came from, where I grew up, and how athletically gifted I was as a kid, I was incredibly overweight. And I looked back at the history of what my parents and what they did to sacrifice, and I looked back on my career, and I say I’ve overachieved, to be honest, where I came from, so it’s all about perspective.
‘You know, I think that I played the game since I was seven years old, I did work incredibly hard and this whole journey has been an amazing one.
‘You know, just being here with you guys talking, doing my life, you know, my Good Trouble with all these amazing guests, you know, being on centre court of Wimbledon. I look it in my eyes that I’ve overachieved.’
This came after Kyrgios predicted who would have the better career out of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Will Nick Kyrgios be at Wimbledon?
Given he is a former finalist at Wimbledon, and last year worked for the BBC to help boost their coverage whilst he was injured, it was expected that he might take up one of those roles again this year.
After all, the Australian had confirmed he would miss the entire grass-court season, and so was free for work.
However, it was revealed earlier this month that the British broadcaster, who will spearhead the coverage of the Championships, had opted not to invite Kyrgios back for a second year.
Having since signed up to work with talkSPORT across the next few weeks, his controversial and refreshingly open takes will marry well with such a network.
And, it will allow Kyrgios to return to the grounds of Wimbledon in some capacity, just not playing or with the BBC.
