Nick Kyrgios has played several high-profile tennis tournaments ahead of his doubles campaign at the Australian Open.
Kyrgios entered the Brisbane International, where he exited the tournament in the singles at the hands of Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The Australian also entered the exhibition event, the Kooyong Classic, in which he beat Zhang Zhizhen of China.
The star is currently at the Australian Open and he’s named an Australian as one of the most underrated players on the ATP Tour.
Nick Kyrgios praises Jordan Thompson as ‘underrated’
Kyrgios attended a Redbull Baseline event, along with Jordan Thompson, and he was full of praise for his compatriot.
Thompson received a wild card for the Australian Open singles following Kyrgios’ statement which said he didn’t want one.
Kyrgios spoke highly of Thompson, who will begin his campaign at his home Grand Slam against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo.
“I think Thommo [Jordan Thompson] is one of the most underrated players on tour,” said Kyrgios in front of the Australian. “I think he’s got a great serve, and a great court IQ.”
Kyrgios was expected to play the Australian Open doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, but his withdrawal from the tournament has put that in doubt.
Nick Kyrgios tips Aussie to perform well at the Australian Open
Kyrgios has also spoken highly of Alex de Minaur ahead of his foray into another Australian Open as the nation’s top hope.
An Australian has not won the tournament since Mark Edmondson’s shock win in 1976, and a victory for de Minaur would be just as much of a shock.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Kyrgios has said that de Minaur has “All the tools to win a Slam.”
“Beating them both is unlikely but beating one is possible I think, so we’ll see, I am behind ‘Demon’ – if he’s going to do great it’s great for our country,” he said to News Australia.
He added: “The stars need to align for any tournament, luck plays a big part, we play a sport that’s fine margins.”
De Minaur begins his Australian Open campaign with a tough first-round match against former Grand Slam finalist Matteo Berrettini.