“I’m the oldest player here” – Kyrgios on UTS Rio and the next steps of his season
Nick Kyrgios returns to the court at UTS Rio, ready for the “circus” of playing local talents. He discusses his current form, the unique UTS format, and his evolving relationship with the crowd, while also praising the immense potential of João Fonseca.
Nick Kyrgios, UTS Rio 2026 | © UTS Tour . Scrine
TENNIS MAJORS: Nick Kyrgios, where are you at in your 2026 season — what’s your level of shape, your commitment at the moment?
NICK KYRGIOS: I’m feeling great. I’ve been playing the last couple of weeks – Majorca, Halle, Stuttgart – and Wimbledon was great too. Just happy to be back at these events, and every week I’m able to play now is a bonus. Being in Rio is incredible, the stadium’s beautiful, and I love the players here, they’re all really nice and have a lot of character. I’m excited to be here.
What’s the plan between now and the end of the season, or maybe the Australian Open?
NICK KYRGIOS: Honestly, not too sure. I take it a week at a time. After this I’m going to Washington, that’s all I know right now. Not too sure about much more than that, but we’ll see how we go.
Play Fonseca in his hometown is one of the greatest things you can do in tennis.
You’re playing two Brazilian players here, Junior Guto Miguel and Joao Fonseca. That’s a special program to have in Rio…
NICK KYRGIOS: It’s gonna be a circus, a lot of fun. Playing a young junior like Guto is going to be an incredible experience for me. I was sitting with him in the players’ lounge and I was thinking, “I’m the oldest player here” — it kind of made me feel really old, because I used to be the youngest person in these rooms. We were talking, walking around, and he said, “Man, I’m a big fan of your career” – and now I’m starting to feel like I’ve been around a while. And Fonseca as well. He’s such an incredible player: play Fonseca in his hometown is one of the greatest things you can do in tennis and in sport.
What are your expectations more precisely on Miguel’s match? He has just been a Grand Slam champions in singles (Roland-Garros) and doubles (Wimbledon) ?
NICK KYRGIOS: Look, I remember being that kid. I was number one junior in the world, feeling on top of the world. He’s going to be full of confidence, and I remember being that young kid playing in front of my home crowd. You’ve got nothing to lose.
In terms of level of tennis, how do you rate them?
NICK KYRGIOS: Guto’s a high-level junior, and he’s going to be really excited to go out there – the adrenaline’s going to be pumping. Anytime someone plays at home, they raise their level, there’s a real excitement that comes with it, and I’m happy to play a part in that. I think the event knew exactly what they were doing, putting me up against two Brazilians. And Fonseca – I know it’s going to be a zoo on Friday night, something crazy. I’m really looking forward to that.
Is Fonseca a player that will end up being of the greatest, in your opinion.
NICK KYRGIOS: Fonseca has the potential to win multiple Grand Slams. I look at his level, what he’s been able to produce, how quick his transition has been – he’s definitely got that X-factor, the work ethic, the level. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re seeing him be a multiple Grand Slam champion.
I’m not a stranger to playing in hostile environments. I’m really looking forward to it, looking forward to putting on a show.
You are boosted by this type of atmosphere, aren’t you?
NICK KYRGIOS: I’ve played in some rough, crazy atmospheres – Federer in Miami in 2017, the semifinal, was some of the craziest atmosphere I’ve ever played in. Federer in Geneva too, which was probably even craziest, a big three-set battle. Nadal in Acapulco was crazy too. So I’m not a stranger to playing in hostile environments. I’m really looking forward to it, looking forward to putting on a show. People know that I’m here to compete, but also to create an atmosphere that’s enjoyable and electric. I think earlier in my career I loved being the villain. I loved being the bad guy, and I loved getting under people’s skin – but now I just enjoy every part of it.
You played UTS in 2024, so you know the rules, you know everything about it. When you started playing UTS, what was the greatest shock you had with the rules, the greatest adaptation to make?
NICK KYRGIOS: Just how fast it is. UTS is very, very fast. It’s actually quite physically challenging, because you’re not taking a lot of time between points. There’s a lot of things going on. Your coach is on the side talking to you, the crowd is going crazy, there’s a DJ. So it’s a definitely different atmosphere, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, because there are a lot of first-timers this week who are going to get used to it quite quickly.
How do you intend to use the new coaching card?
NICK KYRGIOS: Anything to do with coaching for me is very interesting, because I haven’t had a coach in years. But I got Bruno Soares this week, and he’s a good friend of mine. We have a good relationship, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to have to get used to having a coach again, which is strange, but I’m looking forward to it.
