Nick Kyrgios is one of tennis’ most renowned individuals, and whether you love him or hate him, he’s almost always talked about.
Sadly, due to injuries, the Aussie has faded somewhat into the background of the sport, seemingly unable to regain the necessary fitness to be a threat on the ATP Tour once again.
Alas, with every cloud comes a silver lining, and Nick Kyrgios has certainly taken advantage of his time out of the tennis spotlight.
Alongside starting up his new podcast, Good Trouble, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist has actually started to transition into pickleball.
Whilst many might see this racquet sport as a rival for tennis, he has insisted otherwise, whilst advertising his latest partnerships exclusively with Tennishead.
Nick Kyrgios discusses whether pickleball will rival tennis in the future
“I don’t think so,” Kyrgios began, when asked whether pickleball could threaten tennis in the near future. “They are very different games, and they shouldn’t try to compete.”
He quickly and easily explained why, whilst also outlining his hopes for a combination of the two sports rather than a competition between them.
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The 30-year-old added: “It would be unbelievable if, somehow, they came together and held joint events. I do think pickleball probably has a younger reach because it isn’t so ‘corporate,’ you can wear whatever and do whatever.”
There is clearly unfinished business with tennis, however, and Kyrgios exclusively outlined his plans for the French Open and Wimbledon to Tennishead as well.
Nick Kyrgios ramps up his involvement in pickleball
It’s refreshing to see Kyrgios so open about his involvement in a new sport, which is considerably less harsh on the body than tennis.
This certainly suits him in his current state, making him a perfect ambassador for both Picklr and Vulcan.
Discussing his new partnerships with these two brands, Kyrgios expanded on what drew him to them.
The former world number 13 claimed: “The Picklr clubs operate — the vibe, the community, and how competitive people were out there — and I was pumped about it!
“I knew I had to be involved somehow. Literally the same thing for Vulcan. The brand is sick. They aren’t trying to be something else; they are disruptive, in my opinion. Just wait to see what they have coming.”
Kyrgios foresees a bright future for pickleball, hence his new associations. Keen for fans to know more, he added: “There are Picklr clubs all over America, so look us up and get down to your local club. If there isn’t one in your area, there is a chance one will be built soon!
“The Picklr is expanding to make sure all the picklers out there get their fix. For Vulcan, stay tuned — the team is cooking up some serious stuff to be released soon.”
Nick Kyrgios reveals brand new pickleball paddle
Perhaps most excitingly for Kyrgios is the fact that, with Vulcan in particular, he has brought out his very own paddle.
Their new range of tour-level paddles, the Vulcan CHPT01, has been specifically designed for high-level play that mirrors the seven-time ATP Tour-level champion’s tennis game.
It delivers big pop when striking cleanly, but is light enough for the kind of deft touch that Kyrgios has become associated with.
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Who better to discuss his latest paddle than the man himself, and Kyrgios would conclude by stating: “I’m really excited about this one.
“The team was amazing at teaching me the difference in materials and what made a paddle great. Then we tailored it more toward my playing style so it would translate on the smaller court. Built for aggressive play, that’s why it is elongated — easier power.
“But I think my favourite part about it is the weight. If you know my tennis racket, it is one of the lightest on tour, so to have a paddle that is light and generates power makes me feel at home.”
