The year 2025 proved to be another tumultuous chapter for Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios, whose activities away from the court generated as many headlines as his limited appearances on it. While a persistent wrist injury continued to hamper his professional comeback, Kyrgios found himself embroiled in fresh controversies, from a high-profile security incident at Wimbledon to revealing deep-seated animosity towards a legend of the sport.
Wimbledon Woes and Dress Code Rebellion
Kyrgios's relationship with the All England Club hit a new snag this summer when he was reportedly denied entry and subjected to a search. The incident occurred as he attempted to collect his credentials without carrying the required photo identification, a strict protocol for all visitors. Speaking to talkSPORT, Kyrgios recounted how a staff member, who he believed recognised him, refused to make an exception, leading to his being turned away.
The 30-year-old didn't stop there, calling for a radical overhaul of Wimbledon's iconic all-white dress code, a tradition upheld since the 1880s. He suggested a switch to an all-black kit for players, arguing it would create a striking contrast against the grass and look "super clean" on television.
Personal Split and Public Support for Osaka
Amid the professional drama, Kyrgios's personal life also shifted. He confirmed his split from long-term girlfriend Costeen Hatzi via social media, requesting privacy and expressing his well-wishes for her future. This rare display of a softer side was shortly followed by his very public appearance in Naomi Osaka's player box during her first-round Wimbledon match, signalling a show of support for the Japanese star.
Enduring 'Hatred' for Rafael Nadal
Perhaps the most candid revelation from Kyrgios this year concerned his longstanding rivalry with the now-retired Rafael Nadal. On the Nothing Major podcast, Kyrgios admitted he "couldn't stand" and even "despised" the 22-time Grand Slam champion throughout his career.
He explained that the widespread admiration for Nadal's famed work ethic ironically fuelled his own animosity. "I wanted to show people that you could just be chilled and have fun and beat someone like that," Kyrgios stated, highlighting the clash of sporting philosophies. Despite these feelings, he confessed to being "weirdly emotional" upon Nadal's retirement in 2024.
A Sparse Season and Battle of the Sexes Backlash
On the court, Kyrgios's campaign was severely restricted by his recovery from wrist reconstruction surgery. He competed in just five ATP tournaments, securing his sole victory of the year—and his first tour win in 896 days—against Mackenzie McDonald at the Miami Open.
As the season concluded, he prepared to face a different kind of challenge: a 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match against women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The announcement of this showdown was met with significant criticism and backlash from sections of the tennis community.
Ultimately, 2025 underscored Kyrgios's unique position in the sport: a figure whose compelling, controversial, and candid nature ensures the spotlight remains firmly on him, regardless of his ranking or match schedule.
