In a candid and emotional conversation, Nick Kyrgios opened up about his tumultuous feelings toward Rafael Nadal during their careers. Known for his unfiltered opinions, the fiery Australian revealed that he once “hated” the 22-time Grand Slam champion but has since developed profound respect for the Spanish icon.
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Their intense rivalry, filled with dramatic encounters, spanned nearly a decade. Kyrgios, who rose to fame in 2014 after defeating Nadal at Wimbledon as a teenager, has often saved his best performances for matches against Nadal. However, their battles were not just about tennis; they were laced with personal tension that Kyrgios has now candidly discussed.
A Riveting Rivalry
Nick Kyrgios burst onto the global tennis scene at Wimbledon 2014, stunning Nadal in a four-set thriller to advance to the quarterfinals. It was a moment that catapulted the young Australian into the limelight. Over the years, the two have faced off nine times, with Nadal holding a 6-3 advantage in head-to-head matchups. Their duels often embodied a clash of personalities as much as styles.
Kyrgios admitted on the Nothing Major Podcast that his dislike for Nadal during their early encounters fueled his motivation to perform at his peak. “I couldn’t stand him. I used to hate and despise seeing him walk around. He was always someone who motivated me to bring my best game,” Kyrgios said.
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Despite his success against other legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios described his matches with Nadal as uniquely personal. “If I played Rafa, it was different. Everyone back home idolized him—his hard work, his personality. I just couldn’t handle it. I wanted to show people you could beat someone like him and still have fun.”
From Hatred to Respect
Kyrgios’ frustration with Nadal’s work ethic and image stemmed from the narrative surrounding the Spaniard as an unrelenting competitor and model professional. “They’d say Rafa’s this, Rafa’s that. I thought, ‘I don’t care. I want to show you can be relaxed and still beat guys like him.’”
However, Kyrgios’ perspective has softened over time, especially as Nadal approached retirement. Watching Nadal receive a heartfelt farewell tribute during the Davis Cup moved Kyrgios. He reflected on the magnitude of Nadal’s contributions to tennis: “Did you see the tribute they gave him at Davis Cup? I got emotional because of him. He’s had an unbelievable career. We’ll never see dominance like his on clay again. It’s impossible.”
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This acknowledgment marks a stark contrast to the animosity that once defined their rivalry. Kyrgios now speaks of Nadal with admiration, praising his unparalleled success and the inspiration he provided to the sport.
Iconic Moments and Heated Clashes
The rivalry between Kyrgios and Nadal has been far from ordinary. At Wimbledon 2019, their match turned contentious when Kyrgios fired a shot directly at Nadal, leading to a tense exchange of glares. Nadal ultimately prevailed in a four-set battle, but the incident highlighted the fiery dynamic between the two.
Kyrgios has managed to score wins against Nadal on significant stages, including Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and Acapulco. These victories cemented his reputation as a player who could challenge the very best when inspired. Yet, Nadal’s consistent dominance and poise in high-pressure situations often gave him the edge, particularly in their last meeting at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters.
A Legacy for the Ages
Rafael Nadal’s retirement represents the end of an era in tennis, and even his fiercest rivals are quick to acknowledge his greatness. With 14 French Open titles and 22 Grand Slam wins, Nadal’s legacy on clay is unmatched. Kyrgios himself admits that Nadal’s dominance on the surface may never be replicated: “What he did on clay—no way we’ll ever see that again.”
For Kyrgios, the rivalry with Nadal shaped his career and identity as a player. While their interactions were often marked by tension, they also pushed each other to new heights. Kyrgios’ evolving respect for Nadal underscores the profound impact Nadal has had, not just on the sport but on those who competed against him.
Nick Kyrgios’ Next Chapter
Kyrgios, now 29, continues to reflect on his own journey in tennis. Known as much for his talent as for his fiery temperament, he remains a polarizing figure. Yet his candid reflections on Nadal highlight a growing maturity and self-awareness.
As Kyrgios looks ahead to the next phase of his career, his rivalry with Nadal will be remembered as a defining chapter—one that blended animosity with admiration, and conflict with growth.
In the end, Nadal’s retirement serves as a reminder of the impermanence of even the greatest careers. For Kyrgios, it’s an opportunity to celebrate a rival who, despite their differences, left an indelible mark on his life and the world of tennis.
