Challenges in the Life of Nick Kyrgios in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Nick Kyrgios's life and career.

Nick Kyrgios is a highly ranked Australian professional tennis player, known for his powerful game and sometimes controversial on-court behavior. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 13 in 2016 and has won seven ATP Tour singles titles, including the Washington Open twice. Notably, he reached the Wimbledon final in 2022. In doubles, he reached world No. 11 and won the 2022 Australian Open title with Thanasi Kokkinakis. Kyrgios is a prominent figure in modern tennis, known for his talent and showmanship.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2014: Withdrawal from Tournaments Due to Injury

In 2014, Kyrgios was forced to withdraw from ATP tournaments in Delray Beach and Acapulco due to an elbow injury.

2015: Davis Cup Quarter Finals

In 2015, Kyrgios played in the Davis Cup quarter-finals against Kazakhstan, losing his singles match and then being replaced due to injury. Australia won the tie. He was later dropped from the squad for the semi-final tie against Great Britain.

2018: Davis Cup Against Germany

In 2018, Kyrgios led the Australian team in the Davis Cup against Germany, winning against Jan-Lennard Struff but losing to Alexander Zverev. Australia lost the tie 3–1.

2018: Struggles with depression and self-harm

In 2018, Kyrgios posted on Instagram about his struggles with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

2018: Injury and Tournament Withdrawals

In 2018, after the Australian Open, Nick Kyrgios suffered an elbow injury, leading to his withdrawal from the Delray Beach Open and Indian Wells Masters tournament. He later resumed his season at the Miami Open.

2019: Default at Rome Masters

At the 2019 Rome Masters, Kyrgios was defaulted from his match after swearing at a line judge, kicking a bottle, and throwing a chair onto the court.

2019: Kyrgios's alcohol consumption and mental health

In 2019, Kyrgios coped with his struggles by consuming 20 to 30 drinks every night, even while winning tournaments, but sought professional help and saw multiple psychologists.

2019: Davis Cup Finals

In 2019, Kyrgios was initially left out of the Davis Cup team but later re-added and won his singles matches against Colombia and Belgium. He withdrew from the quarter-finals due to injury, and Australia lost the tie against Canada.

2019: ATP Investigation and Penalties

In 2019, following the Cincinnati Masters, Nick Kyrgios was investigated by the ATP for unsportsmanlike conduct. He received a suspended ban, a fine, and a probationary period.

2020: Mexican Open Retirement and US Open Withdrawal

In 2020, Nick Kyrgios retired from the Mexican Open due to a wrist injury. He also withdrew from the US Open, citing health risks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2021: Alleged Assault on Passari

In January 2021, Kyrgios allegedly grabbed Passari, which led to a court summons in 2022 on a charge of common assault.

January 2021: Kyrgios calls Djokovic a "tool"

In January 2021, Kyrgios initially called Djokovic a "tool" for his quarantine requirement wish-list for the Australian Open.

September 2021: End of Season Announcement

In September 2021, Nick Kyrgios announced the end of his 2021 season due to a knee injury.

2021: Season Ended Early Due to Injury

In 2021, Australia was eliminated in the Davis Cup, and Kyrgios ended his season early due to a knee injury.

May 2022: Kyrgios speaks about pressure

In May 2022, Kyrgios admitted he didn't know how to deal with the pressure after beating Nadal at Wimbledon, saying it snowballed into a "dark cloud".

2022: Summoned to court

In 2022, Kyrgios was summoned to appear in court to face a charge of common assault, for allegedly grabbing Passari in January 2021.

2022: Ankle Injury

In 2022, Kyrgios was unavailable for Davis Cup due to overplaying and an ankle injury. Australia reached the finals but lost.

January 13, 2023: Netflix's Break Point Premiere

On January 13, 2023, Kyrgios appeared in the tennis docuseries Break Point on Netflix, which highlighted his grand slam doubles title journey and his struggles with mental health.

2023: Davis Cup Finals Loss

In 2023, Australia reached the Davis Cup finals again but lost.

2023: Guilty Plea for Assault Charge

In 2023, Kyrgios pleaded guilty to the assault charge but avoided conviction, with the magistrate noting his poor actions in the heat of the moment and the case being at the lower end of common assault.

2023: Ankle Injury and Surgery

In 2023, Kyrgios was chosen for the United Cup but couldn't play due to an ankle injury and later had major knee surgery.

2023: Withdrawal from Australian Open

In 2023, Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open due to a knee injury that required surgery.

2023: Clay Season Abuse

The 2023 clay season was extremely rowdy so measures trialled at Roland Garros 2023 are being put in place to protect players from physical and social media abuse.