Wimbledon 2022: Nick Kyrgios to kick off Wimbledon campaign against Paul Jubb

Nick Kyrgios has an interesting history with World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev. So what does he make of the fact the Russian isn’t at Wimbledon?

Nick Kyrgios. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

A fired up Nick Kyrgios has unloaded on Wimbledon’s stuffy officials over their “uncool” rules – declaring they’ve got everything wrong.

Love him or loathe him, every time the straight shooting Aussie opens his mouth, people listen because he always shoots from the hip.

And he didn’t miss during a news conference before his opening round match with local British hope Paul Jubb, taking aim at the snotty All England club on everything from the ban on Russian players over the war in Ukraine to the length of doubles matches and even the strict dress concede that require players to dress in white clothes.

“I always want to wear all black, obviously,” he said.

“I think it would be cool to allow, like, a black headband or black sweatband.

“I think it would look cool. Obviously Wimbledon doesn’t really care what looks cool.”

Kyrgios has his best chance yet of winning the most famous title in tennis – partly because the top player in the world rankings – Daniil Medvedev is banned.

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Nick Kyrgios says the rules at Wimbledon are ‘uncool’. Picture: AFP Images

But he said he disagrees with the decision and believes all the Russians should have been invited to play.

“Me, personally as a competitor and someone that wants to go up against them, I’m disappointed they’re not here,” Kyrgios said.

”It’s weird not seeing Medvedev here. We all know what he’s capable of.

“But look, it’s done now. I’m sure that they’re going to be tuning in and watching, wishing they were here. They wanted to play. They just want to be a part of it. I’m disappointed they’re not here.”

Kyrgios’ combative approach has ensured he will be the British public’s enemy No. 1 when he steps on to South West London’s grass courts to play Jubb.

But he said he’s used to being portrayed as the bad guy and won’t be changing anything.

“I know I’ve just got to ride the waves emotionally out there because the crowd is obviously going to be behind the local,” he said.

Daniil Medvedev won’t be at Wimbledon this year. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m used to wearing that kind of black hat, the villain-type role. I’m going to embrace it. I’m just going to go out there and play the game.

“If you look at the results I’ve had the last couple weeks, if I just stick to my guns, the results say I should win pretty easy. I know it’s not going to be the case. I’ve got to be pretty focused.”

Every match involving Kyrgios is always unmissable entertainment but even more so when he plays doubles.

He won his first grand slam title at this Australian Open when he teamed up with his good mate Thanasi Kokkinakis and the pair entered Wimbledon together for the first time.

Even if their previous matches are anything to go by, it could be a wild ride but Kyrgios has warned Britain’s boozed up fans not to get too excited because it’s a low priority for him and he’s bored with the idea of best-of-five sets doubles.

Nick Kyrgios isn’t looking forward to five-set doubles matches. Picture: Getty Images

“I don’t think of a place where so much alcohol is being consumed before in Great Britain,” he said.

I think they will be ready, but I just don’t know if it’s the right setting.

“All my focus is in the singles at the moment.

“I don’t know if I’m going to put any sort of focus into my doubles yet.

“I’m just really trying to get my preparations right and feel good about myself and be positive about my singles. Whatever happens, happens there.

“To be honest, I’m not really looking forward to playing best-of-five set doubles.

“I think it’s the stupidest thing ever, to be brutally honest. I don’t know why it’s best-of-five sets.

“No one wants to play best-of-five sets doubles. No one wants to watch best-of-five sets doubles.

“I’m excited, but I’m also dreading the fact that if it’s one set all, I’m going to have to be playing three more sets of doubles. So I don’t know. That’s why I haven’t played it before. It doesn’t make sense.”