‘I think you know it, so keep it up’: Sinner’s emotional request that caught Kyrgios off guard

The tennis world wants Nick Kyrgios back in action.

The 28-year-old has played just one competitive match since the beginning of 2023 as he continues to battle through a raft of injuries.

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He watched on throughout the Australian Open in his new role from behind the microphone as he joined Eurosport and ESPN’s commentary team.

But while he stated his “time in the sport may be over”, it seems the hopes of a return to the court are high among the stars of the sport.

At least that’s the thoughts of Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.

After securing his first ever grand slam victory, Sinner spoke to the Aussie and delivered an emotional request to the former world number 13.

“I think, what’s for sure, everyone is missing you,” Sinner told Kyrgios.

“You are this kind of player you don’t see around so often. Your game style, your way how to behave on court, and those kind of things, you are different, no? And this kind of player we need.

“So I hope you are getting back – I’m missing you. It was a great emotion to see you after my second-round match, so I hope to see you back as soon as possible.

“And, also, you are potential grand slam champion — and I think you know it, so keep it up.”

The comments from Sinner clearly caught Kyrgios off guard and left the Aussie slightly emotional at the words from the recently crowned king of Melbourne Park.

“It gives you an insight on how he is. He just wins the biggest title of his life and he’s very humble, a super nice guy. He just shows incredible maturity,” Kyrgios said.

“And you can just already tell that he’s got his sights on something else. He wants to keep achieving these amazing things and go after more slams – he’s not satisfied.

“I could feel from him that he’s ready to keep going and he’s going to be around for a long time.

“I think we’re gonna see him win plenty more slams in the next couple of years. Now he’s got this one, he’s just going to be unstoppable.”

Kyrgios sent the tennis world into a spin last week when he hinted his time playing the sport could be coming to an end.

In a column posted by Nine Newspapers from Kyrgios titled I’m contemplating retirement and won’t be available for the Paris Olympics, it opened with the comment: “The reality is, there is a part of me that knows my time in the sport may be over. And I’m OK with that.”

The comments sparked speculation that Kyrgios was essentially retiring from tennis, as he continued to speak about his happiness at his Australian Open commentating gig and admitting he’s “reached a point where life after tennis is a prospect that excites me”.

But in a bizarre backflip, Kyrgios shut down the speculation he fuelled by taking to his Instagram Stories to set the record straight.

“Attention … I am not retiring,” he started.

“Please don’t spread this garbage. I’m coming back and will be lighting up courts soon.”

He then posted a video, writing: “I have woken up today and realised about some articles going around and saying that I am retired and that I’m not going to play anymore.

“I just want to just clear it up, it’s absolute nonsense.

“Yes, the last year has been tough with injury, my knee, my wrist, but I’m hungry as ever, constantly rehabbing, in the gym.

“Part of the reason why I am commentating and doing all these things around AO is to still feel that fire and still be a part of it.

“So I still wanted to let everyone know, all my fans I’m coming back, stay tuned, but there’s plenty left in the tank. Don’t stress.”