Stefanos Tsitsipas describes what it was like to play doubles with Nick Kyrgios

Posted by Admin November 26, 2024 Tennis

Of all the rivalries that will return to the tour in 2025, a clash between Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas is certainly one to watch.

The pair, both with ties to Greece, have one of tennis’ most explosive rivalries, marked by dramatic encounters and rather sharp exchanges both on and off the court.

Their infamous 2022 Wimbledon third-round clash saw tensions boil over, with Stefanos Tsitsipas accusing Nick Kyrgios of ‘bullying’ after the match.

The Australian, who made the final that year, bit back calling Tsitsipas ‘soft’.

Despite these fiery moments, both players have displayed grudging respect for each other’s talent, even teaming up for doubles at the 2019 Citi Open, where their chemistry was evident.

Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images

How Stefanos Tsitsipas described having Nick Kyrgios as a doubles partner

During a lighthearted Q&A, Tsitsipas was first asked about his dream doubles partners, naming Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, even calling Nadal underrated in doubles.

This set the stage for Tsitsipas to turn the question back on interviewer Felix Mischker, the YouTuber and current ATP singles No. 2045.

Mischker humorously chose Nick Kyrgios for his unpredictable, ‘maverick style’ and Andy Murray, his all-time favorite player.

When Mischker asked Tsitsipas what playing with Kyrgios was like, Tsitsipas candidly replied, “Ooh, up and down!” He added that he hadn’t yet partnered with Murray but would have liked to.

Nick Kyrgios has admitted excitement to face Stefanos Tsitsipas

Kyrgios, returning to the ATP Tour in Brisbane next year, is well aware of the younger generation rising through the ranks, particularly Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who dominated the Grand Slam scene in 2024.

When asked about the opponents he’s most excited to face, Kyrgios reflected on the shifting landscape of tennis: “The tennis world right now is definitely the changing of the guard. Rafa and Fed are not there anymore, and you could comfortably say it’s the back end of Novak’s career now.”

Kyrgios acknowledged the competitive energy of the new generation: “It’s open, but you have the likes of Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner. These guys are vying for that next mantle.”

On a personal note, he expressed a specific desire to face two players: “I would love to play Jannik Sinner at some stage. Hopefully not my first match back! … But that is probably the one which would be circled on my calendar.”

“And it’s always fun playing Tsitsipas. I think we all know that is a very healthy one for the tennis world,” the Australian concluded.

The pair haven’t met since that spicy Wimbledon affair, with Kyrgios sidelined for a large chunk of the time since.