"Cannot work with a player who doesn't want a coach, so that'll be Nick Kyrgios' decision" - Serena Williams' ex-coach on potentially coaching Aussie

Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has reviewed the possibility of coaching Nick Kyrgios on the tour. He feels that it is impractical to work with a player who doesn't want a coach.

Kyrgios has been out of action since the BOSS Open in June 2023 due to injuries. The Aussie is also set to miss a second consecutive Australian Open due to a persisting wrist issue.

Ahead of the Melbourne Major, Mouratoglou was asked to share his thoughts on potentially coaching the former Wimbledon runner-up. While he credited Kyrgios for his game, Mouratoglou maintained that there are "conditions" to partnering with him.

"Reporters from Australia asked me if it was possible to coach @k1ngkyrg1os. I was happy to answer that question because I think he an incredible player before being an incredible character. The best server in the world. And a potential Grand Slam winner. But there are conditions…," Mouratoglou wrote on Instagram.

Mouratoglou finds immense potential in Kyrgios and feels coaching him would be "exciting". However, he opined that it is primary for the player to feel the need for a coach.

"I think he'd be one of the most exciting guys to coach. The thing is, for someone to have a coach is to want it. You cannot work with a player who doesn't want a coach, so that'll be his decision one day or maybe never, we'll see. But this guy has incredible potential, is complicated, is complex," he said during the interview.

Having observed Kyrgios' game from the sidelines over the years, Mouratoglou is confident that he can help the Aussie win a Grand Slam or taste even more success if they join forces.

"Sometimes, I think I'm not even sure he understands himself but I think from the side watching him for so many years, I think I understand him. I mean, I'm not the only one probably. But yeah, I can feel him. And I think there are a lot of very smart things to do with him to make him win a Grand Slam or more," the Frenchman added.

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Nick Kyrgios to be involved in commentary at Australian Open 2024

Nick Kyrgios at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships

Nick Kyrgios will don the role of commentator at the 2024 Australian Open. The 28-year-old will be part of Eurosport's commentary team, as confirmed by the channel through their Instagram handle.

Kyrgios made his commentary debut at the 2023 ATP Finals for Tennis Channel, joined by four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier and Brett Haber. He commentated for the group-stage match between Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev.

In the absence of Nick Kyrgios from the draw, World No. 10 Alex de Minaur will lead the men's charge for the Aussies at the Melbourne Major. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanovic, Taylah Preston, and Kimberly Birrell are some of the top names from the women's tour to represent the home team.