LONDON — The often-volatile world of men's tennis has been ignited by a fresh off-court controversy, as Nick Kyrgios has publicly called out Andy Murray, suggesting the two are "not friends anymore" and taking aim at the Brit's recent form. The comments, made on Kyrgios's podcast, come during an extended period of inactivity for the Australian, who has not played a competitive match since the Miami Open in March due to a persistent wrist injury.
The rift appears to have stemmed from comments Murray made in a press conference at the Queen's Club Championships, where he was asked about the difficulty of returning from injury. Murray, a former world No. 1 who has undergone major hip resurfacing surgery, spoke broadly about the challenges, but Kyrgios interpreted the remarks as a direct slight. On his podcast, Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist did not hold back, stating, "He's probably not my friend anymore after what's happened recently... I thought we were friends, but I guess not."
Kyrgios elaborated on his feelings of betrayal, implying that Murray's public persona does not always align with his private actions. "I heard he said something about me in a press conference... something about how I can't stay healthy and that it's a shame. It just felt a bit two-faced. I've always supported him, defended him when others were criticising him, and then to hear that, it just doesn't sit right with me." Murray's team has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations.
A Friendship Forged in Fire
The relationship between Kyrgios and Murray has been one of the more intriguing subplots in tennis over the years. Historically, Kyrgios has been one of Murray's most vocal defenders, frequently praising the Scot's tennis intellect and fighting spirit. Their bond seemed to strengthen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they participated in exhibition events together and shared light-hearted banter on social media. Kyrgios even credited Murray with giving him valuable advice during the low points of his career.
This history makes the current fallout all the more surprising for tennis fans. The two have shared the court seven times in official ATP Tour matches, with Murray holding a 5-2 advantage. Their most memorable encounter was arguably a five-set epic in the first round of the 2015 Australian Open, which Murray won. Despite the competitive rivalry, their off-court rapport had always appeared strong, built on a foundation of mutual respect for each other's unique talents.
Kyrgios's Extended Absence From the Tour
The context of Kyrgios's comments is crucial. His competitive fire has been confined to the commentary booth and podcast studio for over a year. His last official match was a straight-sets loss to Jannik Sinner in Miami on March 26, 2023. Since then, a series of physical setbacks, most notably a torn ligament in his wrist that required surgery, have kept him sidelined. This extended break has been a source of immense frustration for the 29-year-old, who has seen his ranking plummet outside the top 400.
Kyrgios has been open about the mental toll of his injury struggles. In various interviews and social media posts, he has discussed the challenges of rehabilitation and the loneliness of being away from the tour. This prolonged period of inactivity seems to have left him feeling particularly sensitive to perceived criticism from his peers. His current physical state remains a major question mark, with his participation in the upcoming grass-court season and Wimbledon—the site of his greatest career success—still uncertain.
Murray's Own Battle Against Time and Injury
The irony of the situation is that Andy Murray is arguably the poster athlete for battling back from career-threatening injuries. Since his hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, the 37-year-old has defied medical expectations simply by competing at the highest level. However, his own recent form has been a struggle. He is currently on a four-match losing streak and has openly contemplated his tennis mortality, suggesting the 2024 summer could be his final bow on the professional tour.
Murray's comments at Queen's, which sparked this feud, were made in the context of his own difficult journey. He was reflecting on the immense challenge of returning to peak form after a long layoff. He reportedly stated that maintaining physical health is the single most important factor for success, a sentiment that Kyrgios appears to have taken as a personal jab. Murray's key points in recent press conferences have included:
- The extreme difficulty of regaining match sharpness after an injury.
- The importance of a consistent and uninterrupted training block.
- The physical and mental grind of the tour for older players.
There was no direct mention of Kyrgios in the transcript of Murray's press availability, leading many to believe that Kyrgios may have misinterpreted the Scot's general observations as a targeted critique. This has become a common theme in the Australian's career, where he often perceives slights where none may have been intended.
The Broader Pattern of Kyrgios Controversies
This incident is far from the first time Nick Kyrgios has found himself at the center of a storm. Throughout his career, he has been involved in high-profile spats with figures across the sport, from rivals like Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka to officials and commentators. His combustible nature, while a key part of his appeal to a segment of fans, has often overshadowed his sublime and unorthodox tennis talent.
What makes this particular disagreement notable is that it targets one of his few consistent allies within the game. Murray has previously defended Kyrgios against calls for him to be banned, often highlighting his "box office" appeal and prodigious skill. In 2019, Murray said of Kyrgios, "When his head is in the right place, he is one of the best players in the world. There's no doubt about that."
The fallout raises questions about whether this is a genuine, irreparable rift or merely another chapter in the Kyrgios drama that could be resolved with a private conversation. The tennis world is a small one, and paths cross constantly. A potential meeting at Wimbledon, should Kyrgios recover in time, would be one of the most anticipated and tense moments of the tournament, regardless of the round.
What Comes Next for the Feuding Stars?
For now, the focus for both men remains on their respective physical conditions. Murray is desperately searching for form and confidence as he aims for a final, glorious run at Wimbledon. Kyrgios's immediate future is even more uncertain, with no clear timeline for his return to competition. His primary goal is simply to get healthy and resume the career that was so brilliantly showcased during his run to the 2022 Wimbledon final.
The public nature of this dispute, however, adds a new layer of intrigue to their careers. The once-warm friendship has been put on ice, and the ball appears to be in Murray's court if he wishes to clarify his comments privately or publicly. For Kyrgios, the comments seem to reflect a deeper sense of isolation and frustration during his forced sabbatical from the sport he loves.
As the tennis world turns its attention to the grass courts of London, this personal conflict serves as a stark reminder of the high-pressure environment these athletes operate in. With careers defined by inches and milliseconds, the psychological battles can be just as fierce as the physical ones. Whether this rift heals or widens may depend on the next move from either camp, but for now, a notable friendship in the locker room appears to be, at least temporarily, fractured.