MELBOURNE — The Australian Open is never short of drama, both on and off the court, and this year, the spotlight has swung firmly back onto the home nation's most polarising tennis star, Nick Kyrgios. The 28-year-old, sidelined from competition due to persistent injuries, has made headlines not for a comeback, but for his personal life, as he was spotted cosying up to a new woman at a high-end Melbourne restaurant just weeks after confirming his split from long-term girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.
The sighting occurred at the chic Italian eateria, Tipo 00, in the heart of the city's CBD. Kyrgios, dressed in a relaxed black t-shirt and cap, was photographed laughing and engaging in an intimate conversation with a brunette, identified by multiple outlets as British model and fashion designer, Lillian Gold. The pair were seen leaning in close, sharing jokes, and appeared very comfortable in each other's company, a stark contrast to the more public and often tumultuous nature of his previous relationship. An onlooker described the scene to the Daily Mail, noting, "They were in their own little world, completely tuned out from everyone else in the restaurant."
The End of an Era with Costeen
This new development comes swiftly on the heels of Kyrgios's official separation from Costeen Hatzi, his partner of over two years. Hatzi, a social media influencer and interior design student, was a constant presence in Kyrgios's player's box during his incredible run to the Wimbledon final in 2022 and his subsequent campaigns. Their relationship was highly documented on social media, with Kyrgios frequently crediting her for bringing stability and happiness during his career resurgence.
The split was announced in a joint statement on Instagram Stories in late December 2023, just before the new year. The message was amicable, stating, "We want to address the speculation that we are no longer together. We have indeed decided to part ways, but this decision is mutual and we remain the best of friends. We have shared an incredible journey and have nothing but love and respect for each other. We ask for privacy at this time." Despite the polite public facade, sources close to the couple suggested the pressures of Kyrgios's injury struggles and their diverging personal goals played a significant role.
Who is Lillian Gold?
The woman at the centre of the new romance rumours, Lillian Gold, is a 26-year-old model and the creative director behind the fashion label 'Gold Studio'. Based between London and Los Angeles, she has built a following for her minimalist, tailored designs and has been featured in publications like Vogue and Elle. Unlike Hatzi, whose life became increasingly intertwined with the tennis tour, Gold maintains a career firmly rooted in the fashion industry.
Friends of Gold have described her as "grounded" and "fiercely independent," qualities that may appeal to Kyrgios as he navigates life away from the professional circuit. It is understood the pair were introduced through mutual friends in the entertainment and sports world several months ago. Their dinner at Tipo 00, a favourite haunt of Melbourne's elite, signals a move beyond a casual acquaintance.
A Timeline of Turbulence and Triumph
Nick Kyrgios's love life has often been as headline-grabbing as his tennis. His relationship with Hatzi was seen as a turning point, coinciding with his most successful and focused period on tour. To understand the significance of this new chapter, it's useful to look at the recent arc of his personal life:
- Early 2021: Kyrgios begins dating Costeen Hatzi, a then-19-year-old influencer.
- July 2022: Hatzi is a visible source of support as Kyrgios reaches his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, losing to Novak Djokovic.
- 2023: Kyrgios's season is decimated by a knee injury requiring surgery, followed by a wrist issue. He plays only one match.
- Late 2023: The couple purchases a multi-million dollar home in Canberra, fueling speculation of engagement talks.
- December 2023: Kyrgios and Hatzi announce their mutual split.
- January 2024: Kyrgios is spotted with Lillian Gold at the Australian Open.
Life in the Commentary Box
While his personal life shifts, Kyrgios has remained a fixture at the Australian Open, trading his racquet for a microphone. He has joined Eurosport's commentary team, providing his characteristically blunt and insightful analysis. His presence in the broadcast booth has been a ratings winner, with fans praising his unique perspective on the modern game. However, his new role has not been without controversy; his critical comments about Novak Djokovic's early-round form and his take on the current generation of players have sparked lively debates.
When asked about his own playing future during a broadcast segment, Kyrgios struck a somber note, hinting at the emotional toll of his injuries. "It's tough watching, to be honest. I see these guys out here and I know I can beat a lot of them, but my body just isn't cooperating. Mentally, it's a daily battle. I'm trying to find new purposes, and commentary is one of them," he revealed. This vulnerability has shown a different side to the often-brash athlete, garnering him newfound sympathy from sections of the public.
The Public and Media Frenzy
The reaction to the restaurant sighting has been predictably intense. Social media has been divided, with some fans expressing support for Kyrgios moving on, while others have voiced disappointment for Hatzi. The Australian tabloid media has been saturated with "exclusive" photos and "insider" accounts, dissecting every detail of the new pairing. This level of scrutiny is nothing new for Kyrgios, who has spent his entire career in a symbiotic, often adversarial, relationship with the press.
Relationship experts commenting on the coverage have noted the challenge of forging a new connection under such a glaring spotlight. Dr. Sarah Benson, a Melbourne-based psychologist, told The Age, "For someone like Nick, whose identity has been so publicly tied to both his sport and his relationship, this period represents a significant recalibration. A new romance, while potentially positive, adds another layer of public narrative he has to manage during an already vulnerable time."
What Comes Next?
As the Australian Open fortnight continues, all eyes will be on whether Kyrgios and Gold make another public appearance together. Kyrgios is scheduled for several more commentary stints, and he is also involved in various promotional activities for his sponsors. The question of a tennis return looms largest, with his team suggesting a potential comeback on the grass courts later in 2024, but no firm timeline exists.
For now, Nick Kyrgios remains one of the most compelling figures in Australian sport—not for a thunderous serve or an underarm tweener, but for the ongoing human drama that unfolds away from the baseline. His journey from Grand Slam finalist to injured spectator, and from one public relationship to the whispers of a new one, continues to captivate an audience far broader than just tennis purists. As one veteran sports columnist put it, "Love him or loathe him, you simply cannot look away. Kyrgios understands the theatre of modern sport better than anyone."
Only time will tell if this new romantic chapter brings the stability he has publicly craved, or becomes another subplot in the unpredictable and endlessly discussed saga of Nick Kyrgios. For the moment, in a Melbourne restaurant, he appeared simply to be a man enjoying a dinner, unaware or unconcerned that the world was watching yet again.