Nick Kyrgios believes this contingent could bring Australia its first men’s singles Grand Slam title in 22 years.
Brisbane, QLD, 19 November 2024 | Jackson Mansell
Australian men’s tennis has never been in better shape, according to former world No.13 Nick Kyrgios.
In July, there were 10 Aussies inside the ATP top 100 for the first time in 42 years, making for a promising time for Australian tennis – and one which Kyrgios believes could pave the way for Australia’s first Grand Slam men’s singles winner since 2002.
“I genuinely think it’s the strongest time in Australian tennis and we are all capable of making a run at a Grand Slam now,” said Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist.
“I think the draws are much more open than they used to be. To win a Grand Slam back in the day when I was in my prime, to beat Roger, Rafa and Novak in the same tournament was unheard of. Now it’s a lot more open and I think where Australian men’s tennis is at the moment. It’s exciting times.”
Several players have had breakout seasons in 2024.
Alexei Popyrin won his first Masters 1000 event in Montreal, Jordan Thompson broke into the top 30, while Alex de Minaur reached the top six and his maiden ATP Finals.
“I always knew Demon was going to be carrying the flag. He’s got another 10 to 12 years in his career for sure. I could see him playing until he’s at least 40 probably. Alexei what he did at the Masters event, Thanasi (Kokkinakis) coming back through injury and obviously always exciting to watch,” Kyrgios said.
He told The Sit-Down podcast: “I’m so happy for Jordan to see how well he’s gone, top 30 in the world and we literally grew up and played the exact same tournaments together. From eight years old, we played each other at Wimbledon and to see him having success is so cool.
What’s next for Nick? 👀
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“These guys are all capable and I think I was the kind of the first one to knock on the door and show that it was possible, and then these guys started believing. Now they’re all having some amazing success.”
In the time since Kyrgios made his tour debut in 2013, Australia’s sole Grand Slam singles triumph came via Ash Barty. The former world No.1 won three Grand Slams, including her triumph at Australian Open 2022.
“I would’ve loved to have played with…
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