“He was playing top-20 level tennis”: Patrick Mouratoglou impressed with Nick Kyrgios after producing impressive display at UTS
Patrick Mouratoglou has praised Nick Kyrgios for his impressive return to tennis after a nearly two-year hiatus. Kyrgios, 29, made his comeback at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in New York, following a prolonged absence due to fitness issues. This hiatus caused him to miss the last eight Grand Slams, with his previous major event being the 2022 US Open.
Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who observed Nick Kyrgios during his recent return at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, praised Kyrgios for his performance. The 54-year-old coach noted that Kyrgios, the former world number 10, appeared to be in excellent shape and had an “impressive” outing during the event.
Patrick Mouratoglou praised Nick Kyrgios’ return to the court, describing his performance as “incredible” and “really, really impressive” given his long absence. Speaking to Tennis 365, Mouratoglou noted that Kyrgios, despite playing with only one serve in the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, performed at a top-20 level. He emphasized that while Kyrgios’ tennis skills remain high, the key challenge will be adjusting to playing consecutive matches and managing his injury issues.
Nick Kyrgios was injured during a period when he was arguably experiencing the best phase of his career. In 2022, he reached his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon but lost to Novak Djokovic with a score of 4–6, 6–3, 6–4, 7–6(7–3). This injury sidelined him and contributed to his extended absence from the sport.
“Sit back with your hands in your pants donut” – Nick Kyrgios hits back at criticism for his ‘uneducated’ take on Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy
Nick Kyrgios recently lashed out at a fan who criticized his comments on Jannik Sinner’s doping saga. The Australian has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the verdict, arguing that Sinner and his team were let off too easily and insisting that the Italian deserves a suspension.
Jannik Sinner was at the center of a major controversy that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The World No. 1 tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells earlier this year. Sinner maintained that the substance had entered his body accidentally, prompting an investigation.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) eventually cleared him to play, accepting his explanation that the substance was introduced through bare-handed massages from his former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Naldi had been using a healing spray containing Clostebol to treat a cut on his finger.
Many players in the tennis world felt that the verdict on Jannik Sinner was unfair compared to how other players have been treated in similar situations. Nick Kyrgios was among the most vocal critics, calling for a two-year suspension for Sinner.
Kyrgios has since been consistently commenting on the doping saga and opposing the ITIA’s decision, which has frustrated many fans.
One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the 29-year-old for his comments on ESPN.
“Kyrgios just chatting sh*t on ESPN comms as per usual. So uneducated on the Sinner situation,” the fan said.
Nick Kyrgios responded sharply to the fan, stating that he had been hired for three consecutive Majors leading up to the US Open. He added that they would have to deal with his opinions for a long time to come, making it clear that he wouldn’t be backing down from sharing his views on the situation.
“That’s why they’ve hired me for 3 straight grandslams – and to tell you the truth, you will deal with me and my opinions for a long time my friend. So sit back with your hands in your pants and try to tell yourself I don’t know anything donut,”
Kyrgios responded.
That’s why they’ve hired me for 3 straight grandslams – and to tell you the truth, you will deal with me and my opinions for a long time my friend. So sit back with your hands in your pants and try to tell yourself I don’t know anything 🫣 donut.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 27, 2024
