"It's absurd, we don't even get paid what we are supposed to get paid" - Nick Kyrgios slams 'ridiculous' tennis off-season schedule

Nick Kyrgios has criticized the ATP Tour over the lack of a proper off-season. The Aussie also claimed that even the ever-so-hardworking Daniil Medvedev had mentally checked out from his last few matches at this year's ATP Finals.

Kyrgios made his return to tennis at this week's Brisbane International on Tuesday (December 31), going out to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7(2), 7-6(4), 6-7(3) in the first round. Following the loss, the former World No. 13 discussed a wide variety of topics during a press conference.

During the interaction, Kyrgios fielded questions regarding the jam-packed ATP Tour schedule. The 29-year-old asserted that no other sport was as exhausting as pro tennis while also voicing his complaints about the inequitable share of revenue that the players receive.

"The tour is ridiculous compared to any other sport," Nick Kyrgios told the media in Brisbane on Tuesday. "It's absurd, really, the amount of travel we do, considering we don't even get paid what we are supposed to get paid, as well, which is a joke."

"Especially if you're from Australia, you don't see your family or friends for six, seven, eight months if you're playing a full schedule."

Kyrgios then cited Medvedev, who had claimed he was burnt out during the year-end championships, as a prime example of top players not feeling incentivized enough to give their best during matches.

"You look at guys like Medvedev towards the end of last season, returning with the other side of his racquet," he added. "You've got guys like that that are starting to lose their mind a little bit because the season is just too long. And he's super-disciplined."

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Nick Kyrgios comments on 2025 comeback: "No ranking goal for me"

Nick Kyrgios looks on during Brisbane International 2025 (Image via Getty)

Nick Kyrgios was also asked whether getting up to a higher ATP singles ranking in 2025 was one of his goals, as he is currently unranked due to his wrist injury layoff and rehabilitation. In response, he maintained that good physical conditioning and getting matches under his belt were one of his main priorities.

"For me, there is no ranking goal for me personally. I'm sure people are going to be telling me you've got to get your ranking up," Kyrgios said. "For me, I don't think anything about that at all. It's more about just getting healthy, getting back playing and enjoying the competition and coming back from the injury I had."

Kyrgios will next play at the 2025 Australian Open through his Protected Entry (PR). The 29-year-old proved his mettle by reaching his maiden major final at Wimbledon two years ago.

However, the upswing in his results was short-lived since he suffered from debilitating knee and wrist injuries shortly afterward, leading to his prolonged absence from the game in 2023-24.