“Living in the Slums”- $8 Million Nick Kyrgios’ Brutal Confession Stuns Ahead of French Open Comeback

Nick Kyrgios, known for his blistering talent and unapologetic candor, has always blurred the line between brilliance and rebellion. From viral one-liners to commentary gigs at the AO and Wimbledon, his razor-sharp wit keeps fans hooked. Now, ahead of a long-awaited French Open return post-Miami, Kyrgios drops a bombshell: a brutally honest reason behind his detachment from Grand Slam glory, a rare glimpse into what truly drives him. And what’s that?

In a recent episode of The Changeover Podcast, the outspoken Aussie opened up about what truly drives him to stay in tennis, and it’s far from the glory of GS titles. “I didn’t even really love the sport,” he revealed. “My family, you know my dad came by boat from Greece, and my mum was living in the slums in Malaysia. So for me, tennis was just something I was really good at playing since seven, and I understood very early that it was a vehicle to, you know to take care of my family. That was my only ever goal. I couldn’t give a shit about any Grand Slam or anything like that you know.”

Kyrgios went on to elaborate further, explaining that the sole purpose behind his professional tennis career has always been to support his loved ones. “I played it because I made good money, and I just wanted to help my family. My friends and I wanted to provide for my people. And you know, at times, I think people were like, oh, he doesn’t take it seriously, but I’m not the personality to be like an Alcaraz or a Sinner or Federer or Roger. I mean, these guys are generational athletes. The way they carry themselves all the time, they are like almost perfect. I know that’s not me. That wasn’t ever my goal either,” he said.

True to his reputation for unfiltered honesty, the former 13th seed continued by emphasizing what tennis has allowed him to achieve off the court. “You know. My parents don’t have to worry about any bills ever again. They don’t have to worry about anything like that. I wouldn’t change anything about my career. I had so much fun, and you ask any other person on the tour who had the most fun, and they will tell you,” he added, showing how personal satisfaction and family support have always outweighed titles in his book.

Nick Kyrgios has never shied away from expressing that his tennis career has always been rooted in a deeper purpose—supporting his family. This sentiment isn’t new. Back in December 2023, following his announcement to withdraw from the Australian Open, Kyrgios shared similar thoughts. He admitted he doesn’t miss the sport much when he’s away from the tour. In fact, he actually welcomes these downtimes as they allow him to spend time with his family and loved ones.

Even without winning a Grand Slam or continuing his tennis career, Nick Kyrgios has built a solid financial foundation. Per a December 2024 report by Daily Express U.S., the former Wimbledon finalist is estimated to have a net worth between $8 million and $10 million. Besides, Kyrgios has high-profile endorsement deals with brands like Yonex and Nike. On the court, his success has also paid off—he ranks 71st on the ATP’s all-time prize money list with $12.4 million in career earnings, placing him just behind American tennis legend John McEnroe.

And just as fans prepare to see him back in action on the clay, Kyrgios dropped another bombshell, one that perfectly fit his bold persona. 

“We’re two different personalities,” Nick Kyrgios opened up about his relationship with Rafael Nadal

The tensions between Nick Kyrgios and the Spaniard Rafael Nadal have always simmered just beneath the surface, often spilling over in their fiery on-court encounters. From their intense Wimbledon 2nd-round clash in 2019, where Kyrgios smacked a baseline forehand straight at Nadal’s body, striking his racket handle and chest, to the infamous Acapulco match where Kyrgios served while Nadal appeared unready, their rivalry has been anything but quiet. 

That handshake in Acapulco, short and frosty, symbolized the friction between the two ATP stars. These instances have long painted Kyrgios as a disruptor and Nadal as the stoic competitor, a contrast that fuels their animosity.

Speaking on the same podcast, the ever-candid Aussie peeled back the curtain further, offering unfiltered commentary on his history with the 22-time GS champion. “Me and Roger [Federer] have been fine, but me and Rafa don’t like each other at all,” he added. “I think we just we respect each other’s games. But I just think we’re two different personalities, two completely different stories, and we just don’t like each other every time we played each other. I just wanted to throw my racquet at him.”

Nick continued, “I just can’t stand him. He does my head in, but he’s a good player. I just wanted to beat him so bad every time. Sometimes when I lost to Feds, I was just like whatever, but with Rafa it burned me, it would burn me so much.”

Now, as Kyrgios readies himself for a return to the big stage at Roland Garros, teaming up with compatriot Jordan Thompson for the doubles draw, the spotlight once again turns his way. Known for his unpredictability, fearless game style, and raw emotional honesty both on and off the court, fans are left wondering: will Kyrgios make headlines for his tennis or his temperament on the Parisian clay this time? What do you think?