The Monthly Maestro #21 - The Return of KG
The kid from Canberra.
Back in the day, there was a 90% chance your favorite player was one of the Big Three. But little over 10 years ago, we met a new kid on the block. And this guy had something unique.
In his Wimbledon debut in 2014, Nick Kyrgios showcased his raw, undisputed talent by defeating the mighty Nadal with serve bombs, forehand winners, and tweener trick shots. The contrast between the two was huge. Throughout his career, Rafa always showed the best possible example of respecting his opponent, the authorities, and the crowd.
But Nick? Nick just has a go with them.
Described as the biggest enfant terrible on tour, Kyrgios gained huge popularity in the following years. There was something about this guy, next to the fact that he was able to play unbelievable tennis. Most of us enjoyed the “don’t care”-vibe he gave off on court, with his sleeveless basketball jersey and trick shot repertoire.
That kid from Canberra has grown up.
Back Down Under
Held back by a series of injuries (his wrist being the main problem), Kyrgios hasn’t been able to play a single match in a major since September 2022. In this period he admitted he thought he “would never play competitive tennis at the highest level again”.
One could say Kyrgios has had all the time to reflect on his past behaviors during this timeframe. Last year, when he suddenly showed up as a commentator (which he hit off from the start), he frequently talked about the darker times during his career. He faced times of being misunderstood by his peers, battling depression and even suicidal thoughts.
Now he made his re-entrance on the grand stage in Australia, I feel like he has put a lof of those shadows behind him. Having a laugh with the BOAT during doubles in Brisbane, Kyrgios looks like he’s fresh and ready to aim high again. Whether it’s through the crazy circus he brings to court, or with his wacky reactions when he’s commentating (read below), this guy will always find a way to entertain the crowd.
This Month’s Maestro
Hate him or love him, if you take one thing home from watching Kyrgios back on court, just watch how these guys are smiling on court. Tennis is a brutal sport, and we all (no matter what level) fall victim to showing too much of our serious faces throughout matches. I hope this month’s Maestro Nick Kyrgios can find his smile back in singles as well, because I believe he plays his best game if he does.
But 2025 won’t only revolve around the comeback of this adult terrible. With Next Gen Finals winner Joao Fonseca, a new star is born. It took Alcaraz around 9 months after winning the Next Gen Finals to win his first slam. Although we have to be careful not to put too much pressure on the Brazillian’s shoulders, if he keeps this development rate going, his maiden slam isn’t far out of sight.
The Long Game
Alongside kids from Canberra & Rio de Janeiro, there’s also you I want to address. You might be a tennis lover that just enjoys watching and reading about tennis and all things crazy on tour. There’s also a good chance you’re a player yourself, looking to improve aspects of your game. But there is one overlooked aspect of tennis that most people don’t know:
Tennis is the best sport to play if you want to live a longer life.
Several studies, including this one, highlight the role of playing tennis and its relation with reaching a higher age. Tennis is such a versatile game, always played with somebody else, that it encompasses a wide range of amazingly positive health benefits. Since I’ve made no secret of openly following Bryan Johnson and parts of his longevity protocols, I believe that tennis is one of the missing pieces for people aiming to play the long game.
Links worth checking out
Novak on Andy - Where these former no 1.’s used to be rivals, these days one is coaching the other on tour.
10 Years Longer - Fortune article about the relationship between tennis & longevity assessing how tennis boosts physical and mental health.
Best,
P.S.: If you’ve read until here, thanks a lot for taking the time to read this issue of the Monthly Maestro. If you’d like to get the Monthly Maestro directly in your inbox every first Monday of the month, you can subscribe below.
I'd like to know your thoughts on what some of the ATP players could/need improve to become better.