It’s been said Kyrgios is ‘not good for the sport’ of tennis. It’s never been that simple

August 20, 2026 — 7:28pm

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The end of Nick Kyrgios’ tumultuous, eminently watchable career is rapidly approaching.

His positive test for cocaine, which both Kyrgios and the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced on Wednesday night (AEST), may hasten that end.

Whenever it comes, there will be a tinge of sadness.

It’s been written plenty of times before that Kyrgios has failed to realise his potential. How, if he stuck with a coach, worked as hard as Lleyton Hewitt or Alex de Minaur, and was as dedicated and disciplined as Novak Djokovic, he could have achieved more.

But there is more nuance to Kyrgios’ situation than that. It comes down to understanding – or trying to understand – who he is, and isn’t.

It’s easy to focus on Kyrgios’ potential: blistering serve and forehand, ridiculously easy power, natural athleticism and hand-eye coordination.

But a tennis player’s success, particularly when it is sustained beyond one match or tournament, owes to so much more than just the raw physical tools. The intangibles – such as desire, motivation, mental strength, resilience, and even support team and environment – are an incredibly important part of the entire package.

Kyrgios beat all of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray – “the Big Four”, and best players from his prime – which is why people struggle to........

© The Age