Nick Kyrgios is making his much-anticipated return to the court, but he can expect more than just applause for his talent. Recently, he confirmed his participation in the 2025 Australian Open after a lengthy break due to injuries sustained during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. During his time off, he transitioned into a commentary role in November 2023. Working with networks like ESPN and Eurosport at Wimbledon and the Australian Open this year. However, his outspoken critiques and bold social media presence have earned him a mixed reputation. Particularly among former tennis pros who have not been shy about their opinions.

During an interview with the Russian media outlet BetBoom Tennis, Elena Vesnina had some sharp words for Kyrgios. She recognized his potential as a player, noting his strong suits on the court, stating, “He had a powerful serve and a great forehand.” However, due to his nature of making brash remarks and strongly opinionated statements, His most popular ones are regarding Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy on his social media. Recalling this, she believes he’s made a unique image for himself. “He’s a clown.”

Vesnina, a three-time Grand Slam doubles champion, remarked that when it came to winning major titles, “all that went up in smoke.” Nick Kyrgios has indeed had his share of achievements on the court. He has won seven ATP singles titles, including the 2019 and 2022 Washington Open, and reached eleven finals. His most notable success was a runner-up finish at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. Additionally, he has recorded wins over top players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.

Kyrgios has been off the court for over a year now. Has he been forgotten though? Not likely! He’s still very much connected to the sport through his role as a commentator. Giving his thoughts on the current lineup of the tennis players this season. And while he’s coming back with a passion to set fire to his home court. His peers at the UTS tour gave him an unexpected shoutout in a recent pop-up interview.

The Australian player gets crowned as tennis’s top trash talker!

Kyrgios might not be on the ATP rankings or playing in tournaments this year, but he’s definitely still on everyone’s radar! Recently, during the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) tour, players like Ben Shelton, Lorenzo Musetti, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Ugo Humbert all named Kyrgios as the biggest trash talker in tennis. The UTS even shared an Instagram post of it, captioned “Almost unanimous.”

Additionally, Dominic Thiem and Jan-Lennard Struff picked Gael Monfils, but Monfils couldn’t choose just one—he mentioned both Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe! The only one who disagreed was Denis Shapovalov, who went with Ben Shelton.

Taking the votes in jest, Nick Kyrgios reshared a post on his Instagram story with a shrug emoji. Maybe he’s embracing his title as the ultimate trash talker! As he gears up for his comeback in 2025, Kyrgios is ready to make a splash at the Australian Open.

In an interview with News Corp’s Code Sports, he said, “I am coming back because something is keeping me around the game.” But recovering from injuries is no walk in the park. His doctors have warned him that he might not be able to play again. Despite these challenges, Kyrgios is determined to get back out there and show everyone what he can do!