Nick Kyrgios hasn’t played in any of the four Grand Slam tournaments since 2022, the year he reached the Wimbledon final and the U.S. Open quarterfinals. Although he skipped this year’s U.S. Open, Kyrgios appeared in Flushing Meadows for a mixed doubles exhibition a week before the main event.
Watching Coco Gauff’s struggle to secure a second consecutive U.S. Open title seemingly inspired Kyrgios to offer his assistance to the young tennis star.
Gauff was eliminated in the Round of 16 by fellow American Emma Navarro on September 1, marking her second consecutive loss to Navarro, who also defeated her at Wimbledon in July.
Kyrgios, who earlier served as a guest commentator for ESPN during the Australian Open, was also involved in on-court interviews at the U.S. Open. Known for changing coaches frequently throughout his career, Kyrgios expressed his willingness to coach Gauff after a post on X (formerly Twitter) criticized her current coach, Brad Gilbert.
Despite Gilbert’s strong coaching background, which includes guiding legends like Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi, he faced criticism following Gauff’s early exit at the Open.
Kyrgios, a polarizing figure in tennis, is no stranger to controversy, often drawing attention for his antics on the court, including profanity-laced outbursts, spitting at fans, and making obscene gestures. However, over time, some have praised him for showing growth and maturity in his career.
Gauff, visibly frustrated during her match against Navarro, was overheard shouting, “Tell me something!” toward her box, after a match in which she committed 60 unforced errors. Earlier in the year, she reached the semifinals at the Australian Open before losing to former World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
