“For tennis IQ, I’d probably take myself”: Nick Kyrgios builds his perfect player

Nick Kyrgios claimed in an interview that his tennis IQ surpasses that of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray. The Australian built his ideal tennis player by selecting strengths across seven key aspects of the game, choosing himself for two categories.

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up was interviewed on the Let’s Trot Show, where he picked Djokovic for the best backhand, Federer for the best slice, Nadal for the best forehand and physical condition, and fellow Australian Alex de Minaur for speed.

When deciding who has the highest tennis IQ, Kyrgios surprised everyone by choosing himself. “I don’t know if anyone in the history of tennis has made the final of Wimbledon without a coach. So for IQ, I’d probably take myself.”

Kyrgios is preparing for his return to official competition before the year ends. The former world No. 13 has played just one match in the past two years—back in April 2023 in Stuttgart—after dealing with multiple injuries and recovering from wrist reconstruction surgery. His last significant tournament was the 2022 US Open, where he reached the quarterfinals.

His first confirmed event is the Brisbane International, starting on December 30, the opening week of the 2025 season, which will also feature 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the draw. “It has been a long journey of recovery to be where I am today,” Kyrgios said two weeks ago. “One of the goals I had set was to be able to play during the Aussie summer, so I am excited that I get to start in Brisbane, which is one of my favourite tournaments.”

If all goes well, Kyrgios will then travel to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open. Although he currently has no ATP ranking, he will receive a wildcard from the organisers, given his status as one of Australia’s biggest tennis stars of the past decade and the 2022 Australian Open doubles champion alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis.