Nick Kyrgios Prioritises Financial Gain in Candid Career Admission
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has made a frank admission about his current career motivations, revealing that financial considerations now take precedence over competitive achievements on the professional circuit.
From Grand Slam Contender to Exhibition Specialist
Following a significant decline in world rankings due to persistent injuries and the expiration of his protected ranking, Kyrgios faces substantial challenges in returning to grand slam tournaments or ATP Tour events without relying on wildcard entries. Currently ranked world No. 673, the Canberran appears to have accepted the reality of his competitive limitations.
The 30-year-old athlete has explicitly stated he has no intention of grinding through lower-tier Challenger or ITF tours to sustain his professional career. Instead, Kyrgios has unapologetically committed to maximising his earnings through exhibition events where his drawing power commands significant appearance fees.
'My Motivation is to Make as Much Money as Possible'
"I just don't think there's any need for it," Kyrgios told News Corp regarding competing in smaller tournaments. "My motivation is to make as much money as possible."
He elaborated on his financial reasoning, explaining: "So when events are throwing six figures at me, it doesn't make sense for me to go to a 250 and play five matches and only earn what I could earn in one day."
Kyrgios demonstrated confidence in his market value, asserting: "I'm more of a drawcard than most people, even [those] in the top 10, so I know my worth and what my plans are."
The tennis star reflected on his career accomplishments with satisfaction, stating: "I have nothing left to prove. I've beaten all of the greatest players of all time and I've won multiple titles."
Injuries Reshape Career Trajectory
Kyrgios remains active in the Australian Open mixed doubles competition, where he and Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez won their opening-round match in a spectacular comeback. The pair were scheduled to play James Tracy and Anna Danilina in the second round on Monday afternoon.
His increased focus on doubles tennis reflects an acknowledgment that he isn't the same singles player who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, losing to Novak Djokovic. That same year, he claimed a men's doubles title at the Australian Open alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Severe wrist and knee injuries following his breakthrough 2022 season presented the most difficult challenges of his career. Multiple surgeries enabled his return to competition, but subsequent setbacks have prevented him from regaining his previous form.
Accepting a Changed Reality
"I've had a rough couple of years, going from knocking on the door of a grand slam, to then having it taken away," Kyrgios admitted.
He described how his perspective has evolved: "Your priorities change and reality hits, and it's [wondering] whether or not you're ever going to compete for a singles grand slam again."
Despite these challenges, Kyrgios maintains perspective on his career achievements: "But I've had more luck and more success than 95 per cent of athletes that choose to pick up a racquet."
The tennis star concluded with philosophical acceptance: "I've had to humbly realise that ... it's not gone, but that injuries happen and they're a part of sport."
