Nick Kyrgios slammed the tennis season as “way too long” while also suggesting that the players aren’t getting as much money as they should.
After launching his comeback and playing his first match in a year and a half, the Australian was asked in Brisbane how much he was planning to push this year.
In the past, Kyrgios had the tendency to skip some swings or tournaments – he usually misses the entire clay season and concludes his season after the US Open.
And if judging by his latest comments, seeing him play a full 11-month season won’t be happening.
“The tour is ridiculous compared to any other sport. It’s absurd, really, the amount of travel we do, considering we don’t even get paid what we are supposed to get paid, as well, which is a joke,” Kyrgios said.
Yeah, it’s a tough sport. Especially if you’re from Australia, you don’t see your family or friends for six, seven, eight months if you’re playing a full schedule.”
Kyrgios: Did you see what happened with Daniil Medvedev at the ATP Finals?
During an ATP Finals group-stage loss to Taylor Fritz, Medvedev turned his racket the wrong way as he was awaiting for the American’s serve.
When making his feelings clear about the schedule, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist argued the Russian’s stunning act was a consequence of a long season.
“You look at guys like Medvedev towards the end of last season, returning with the other side of his racket. You’ve got guys like that that are starting to lose their mind a little bit because the season is just too long. And he’s super-disciplined,” Kyrgios said.
When it comes to the money part, the 29-year-old made it clear last year that he was fully for the Saudis getting into tennis because that would probably lead to bigger money in the game.
Tennis World USA