Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios best bits - 'King' Jannik Sinner, 'Slim Reaper' Daniil Medvedev and spare underpants

Published 28/01/2024 at 15:45 GMT

Nick Kyrgios returned to the Eurosport commentary box to give his box-office coverage as Jannik Sinner fought back to beat Daniil Medvedev to win his first-ever Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Kyrgios discussed Sinner becoming the "king" of Melbourne, Medvedev's new nickname the "Slim Reaper" and why he had to bring spare underwear to the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic in 2022.

'This is a joke! Sinner is the king!' - Kyrgios wowed by epic point with Medvedev

Nick Kyrgios was back in the Eurosport commentary booth for a blockbuster Australian Open final between Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev on Sunday.

The 2021 Wimbledon finalist gave us more box-office views, opinions and insight as Sinner fought back to win his first-ever Grand Slam title.

Sinner is 'like a sponge'

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Kyrios revealed what the latest champion is really like behind the scenes on tour and how his personality could have played a part in his maiden major triumph.

“Jannik is an incredibly nice guy in the locker room,” Kyrios said. “You always see him super professional, but he’s like a sponge.

“Ever since he came on tour that first match he played against Steve Johnson in Rome, the locker room was watching and thinking, ‘Who is this skinny guy who has the crowd in the palm of his hand?’.

“We could already see the ball-striking. He’s like a sponge; every time he’s got good people around him trying to give him advice that he’s trying to incorporate into his game; always learning, always getting better.

“Just a good all-round person.”

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‘Daniil Federer's’ mind games

The Australian compared Medvedev to the legendary Roger Federer as he raced ahead in the final with a “flawless” early display.

“I love Medvedev’s mind games,” Kyrios told Eurosport viewers. “I played them myself.

“He said in his press conference that physically he was not the favourite at all. He’s already putting that underdog label on him and come out here swinging. He’s tricked everyone; he’s feeling fine.

“It’s Daniil Federer! How are you? It’s been flawless tennis from Medvedev.”

He also honoured Medvedev with a new nickname during the final, but is still trying to come up with one for Sinner after initially naming him after his mid-match snack.

“I need a good nickname for Jannik. I’ve got the ‘Slim Reaper’ for Medvedev,” he said.

“Any ideas [for Sinner]? I don’t know about the ‘Carrot’."

Spare underpants and expensive hats

Novak Djokovic beat Kyrgios in the 2022 Wimbledon final as the Serbian clinched his 21st career Grand Slam.

Kyrgios revealed that he was so nervous ahead of the match that he brought spare underwear to Centre Court!

“It’s a whole different experience out here,” he said, speaking about Grand Slam finals. “I remember my first final. I brought a couple of spare pairs of underpants, that’s how nervous I was!”

Following the same final, Kygrios broke Wimbledon’s all-white dress code when he wore a red hat to pick up his runners-up trophy.

“Hang that in the Louvre, that’ll be there forever! £16,000 that cost me,” he revealed.

“Ridiculous. Worth it; worth every single penny.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia (L) and runner up Nick Kyrgios of Australia pose for a photo with their trophies following their Men's Singles Final match on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn T

Image credit: Eurosport

Kyrgios expects a 'brutal' return to tennis

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured at a Grand Slam since his quarter-final exit at the US Open in 2022.

After witnessing the level of the Australian Open final, it is safe to say that he is not looking forward to finally getting back out on court.

“Both guys making me feel that it’s going to be an absolute brutal slog when I get back to playing,” he said.

“I’ll be serving and volleying every point.”

Aall hail 'king' Sinner

Among all the fun, Kyrgios had some kind words for Sinner during the biggest victory of the 22-year-old's career.

“This is a joke, Sinner is the king! Ridiculous ball-striking. You won’t see anything better than that,” Kyrios said.

Ahead of the deciding set, Kyrgios added: “This will be the biggest service game of Jannik Sinner’s life and career so far. Everything makes sense now. This is why we play.

“You feel like this is the beginning of a very special journey. You can see more Grand Slams being added to that tally if he keeps playing like that.”