If a Saudi Arabian-sponsored tour were to be formed in the future, Nick Kyrgios stated that he intended to quit the ATP.
Kyrgios’ remarks are made against the backdrop of growing Saudi funding for tennis worldwide. The Next Gen ATP Finals were held in the country in 2023, in Jeddah, and on December 27, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are slated to play an exhibition match at the Kingdom Arena.
Kyrgios seemed to welcome the move when considering the growing Saudi-Arab influence in major sports, where the nation’s Public Investment Fund has integrated football and golf as well.
The Australian player even declared that he would not think twice about competing in a Saudi-sponsored tennis tournament in an interview with the Athletic.
“If I had been allowed to jump off first. Had I gone, I would have. Personally, I would have permitted the ATP ship to sink.”
Kyrgios disclosed to the Athletic
Following a difficult 2023 season marred by injuries and little playing time, Kyrgios made several recent and contentious remarks. In comparison, the Australian played in the Wimbledon final and completed the season at 22nd in the ATP rankings during his 2022 campaign.
Nevertheless, Kyrgios said he lacks the stamina to compete full-time for three years and seems happy to miss the majority of the 2023 season.
“I played all season long last year with no injuries; I had fantastic outcomes and an amazing year. It’s unbelievable that after two operations and hardly playing this year, I would probably say they’re both just as fine.
“Most tennis players would say something like, ‘This was really gloomy.'” People would be having difficulties and asking themselves, “What do I do?” Who am I, really? It’s been just as delightful this year as it was last. That’s just the way my personality differs from others. The absurd thing is that.
“I simply don’t think I could work that hard for three seasons straight.” I would be unable to continue playing. After the US Open, I was cooked and exhausted when I returned home. I was completely burned out. I was simply exhausted. I was fine emotionally, but I felt fine physically. Perhaps this year will serve as a counterpoint.
