Nick Kyrgios, known as much for his explosive talent as his off-court candor, has dismissed recent speculation about his absence from ESPN’s Australian Open broadcast team with a simple yet pointed rebuttal: he’s competing at the 2025 Australian Open—or at least, he hopes to.
The 29-year-old, who enjoyed a stint in the commentary booth during his injury-plagued 2024 season, took to social media to clarify his situation after tennis insider Jon Wertheim suggested ESPN had passed on him for their coverage of the year’s first Grand Slam.
Kyrgios: “Uhhh, Because I’m Playing!”
Reacting to Wertheim’s post, Kyrgios was quick to shut down any narrative of exclusion, replying on X:
“Uhhhh because I’m playing singles and doubles – slow media day huh (laughing emoji).”
Kyrgios’ straightforward response highlights his focus on competing, but his participation in the tournament remains in doubt due to a nagging wrist injury.
The Injury Cloud Over Melbourne
Kyrgios’ return to the court in Brisbane was far from ideal, as he fell to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a grueling first-round match. Following the two-and-a-half-hour battle, the former Wimbledon runner-up cast doubt on his Australian Open campaign, revealing ongoing issues with his wrist.
“I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam,” Kyrgios admitted after the match.
The doubts were compounded after a doubles match with Novak Djokovic, during which Kyrgios described his wrist as being in “throbbing pain.” While he expressed excitement for the Australian Open, he acknowledged the mental and physical toll of a Grand Slam:
“That’s a best-of-three match with my wrist. If I’m able to [play], not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it’s physically a grind.”
From Broadcaster to Contender?
Kyrgios’ comments also shed light on his brief foray into broadcasting. While sidelined, the Australian offered commentary for the 2024 Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, drawing praise for his insights and charismatic style.
However, Kyrgios has repeatedly emphasized his desire to return to playing, and the 2025 season was meant to mark his full comeback. His quick dismissal of Wertheim’s post signals that he has no plans to return to the booth—at least not while his playing career remains active.
The Road Ahead: Uncertainty Looms
With the Australian Open less than two weeks away, Kyrgios’ fitness remains the biggest question. Fans are eager to see the seven-time ATP champion compete on home soil, where his raw talent and electric personality have captivated crowds in years past.
For now, Kyrgios is fighting against time, hoping for the “miracle” that will allow him to play in Melbourne. Should he make it to the court, his wrist’s durability over the grueling two-week Slam remains a significant concern.
A Glimpse of Kyrgios’ Focus
Whether in singles, doubles, or both, Kyrgios’ participation would undoubtedly elevate the Australian Open’s entertainment quotient. For now, his witty response to ESPN rumors signals that he’s focused on playing—not talking—and that the decision to skip commentary was purely practical.
The bigger question, however, lingers: will Nick Kyrgios’ wrist hold up for the Happy Slam?