Nick Kyrgios is regarded by many as one of the most wasted talents in tennis history.
However, he, along with many others, would argue otherwise.
After all, having led by one set in a Grand Slam singles final, and having won a Grand Slam doubles title with one of his best friends, the 31-year-old has enjoyed a career many could only dream of.
Sadly, with the talent he had at his fingertips, people still hoped for more.
Rod Laver is one such example who made a rather bold prediction about his countryman in 2017, citing the only thing that would stop Nick Kyrgios from becoming the best player in the world.
Rod Laver’s prediction about Nick Kyrgios in 2017
Speaking to the press ahead of that year’s Australian Open, nearly ten years ago now, the legendary tennis figure was discussing hopes of a hometown hero enjoying success in Melbourne.
Naturally, Kyrgios spearheaded those hopes and was a large topic of conversation.
What would be a successful season for Nick Kyrgios in 2026?
Laver then suggested: “Ability-wise, he could be the best tennis player in the world.”
However, he argued that ‘only he is the one that gets in his way’.
The 11-time Grand Slam champion added: “He plays some magnificent tennis, but then something gets in the way and he finds himself being challenged by other things, whether behaviour or whatever seems to come up.
“Looking at maybe (his) maturity … he’s still very young on the world tour. I want him to be the best player in the world. We need another great Australian champion.”
Laver also pointed out the greatest thing about Kyrgios losing the 2022 Wimbledon final a few years later too, in another intriguing take from the man after whom the Laver Cup is named.
What is Nick Kyrgios doing now?
It seems a shame that Kyrgios, once a promising talent and at one point a Wimbledon finalist, has now played just one tour-level singles match since March 2025.
Alas, this has been the cruel outcome of so many injuries, mainly to the wrist, which have completely derailed his career.
What is the one tennis result you would like to change?
Plenty to pick from!
Just when the affable yet controversial Aussie threatened to realise his potential, it felt like everything that could have gone wrong had.
Fortunately, Kyrgios exclusively told us when he plans to return to tennis, targeting the grass-court season as the right time to start playing regularly again.
