Nick Kyrgios lands Wimbledon role, teases sporting switch

Nick Kyrgios’ Wimbledon plans have been revealed as the sidelined Aussie star teases trying his hand at another sport.

Nick Kyrgios is set for a return to Wimbledon — only not in the role the tennis world was hoping for.

The brash 29-year-old Aussie hasn’t played a professional match since a first-round loss to China’s Wu Yibing in Stuttgart last June — before that when he pulled out of the quarterfinal in Tokyo in October 2022.

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While Kyrgios did play in Saudi Arabia in December 2022 and an exhibition against Novak Djokovic before the 2023 Australian Open, the Aussie has been sidelined by a horror run of injuries, including his knee before tearing a ligament in his wrist in June.

Kyrgios is a proven box-office draw in the tennis world and has been trying his hand at different mediums.

The Aussie has started a podcast and interview series under Naomi Osaka’s Hana Kuma brand, interviewing the likes of Djokovic, Mike Tyson, The Office actor Rainn Wilson and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey to name a few.

He also stepped into the commentary box for ESPN and Eurosport during the Australian Open, impressing plenty of fans.

But with his injury continuing to keep him off the court, Kyrgios is reportedly set to return to the commentary booth at Wimbledon for the BBC.

Kyrgios will reportedly be back at Wimbledon. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Kyrgios had previously hoped to return for the tournament but the announcement appears to slam the door shut on a comeback.

Kyrgios is expected to appear alongside the likes of Claire Balding, John McEnroe and Tim Henman for the channel.

It comes as Kyrgios teased a big sporting code switch, suggesting he was considering stepping into the boxing ring.

Speaking on an Instagram Q&A, Kyrgios was asked if he’d ever take up boxing.

“Yeah I would, at the end of my tennis career,” Kyrgios said.

“There are a couple of people I’d call out.”

However, he ruled out calling out Piers Morgan for a celebrity bout, having cleared the air with the outspoken pundit after a heated social media stoush.

“Nah we are friends now!” Kyrgios said of Morgan.

It’s not the first time Kyrgios has been challenged to get in the ring.

In 2022, Bernard Tomic ignited a social media feud, calling for the pair to each put up $1m for a one-on-one grudge match.

Kyrgios has played just once since this match. Picture: Mark Stewart

While Kyrgios brushed it off, Tomic doubled down, saying: “You say you’re good at basketball, I’ll beat you at that too.

“Tennis? I’ll dominate you one-on-one. To not make excuses, I’ll even play you on grass, whenever you want.

“You know what? Let’s sort this out in the boxing ring. Put your gloves on, I’ll dominate you there also. Let’s see who’s better once and for all.”

And Kyrgios didn’t say no.

“Maybe one day my brother we can later on when my career winds down,” Kyrgios said.

“But I’m too occupied at the moment bro, preparing for tournaments like Wimbledon and stuff. I hope everything is well, let’s put this to bed. I’ll verse you when I verse you if you can get back to the top and to the main tour.

“But as for now, I think you’ve got some bigger life challenges ahead brother, so best of luck.”

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios lands Wimbledon role, teases sporting switch