"Nick Kyrgios never won a 1000 or a Slam";"What career?" - Fans slam Australian for issuing 'delusional' response to Nicolas Mahut's criticism

Nick Kyrgios' strongly-worded response to Nicolas Mahut's criticism of him has drawn the wrath of many tennis fans. The Frenchman critique came in the wake of Kyrgios voicing his confidence about potentially facing and defeating reigning World No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open. The Italian will be heading into next year's first Grand Slam as the defending champion while Kyrgios has entered the main draw via his protected ranking.

Nicolas Mahut rubbished the Aussie's opinion, telling Eurosport that his belief about beating Sinner wasn't "realistic" considering the fact that he played just one competitive match in almost two years. In response, Kyrgios dismissed the Frenchman's singles career and hyped up his own, telling Telecom Asia Sport:

"I don’t know if there’s a back-and-forth. Nicolas Mahut, on a global level, hasn’t made inroads like I have, so I’ll let that be. And I don’t think the world necessarily cares too much about what Nicolas Mahut has to say."

The 2022 Wimbledon Championships runner-up added:

"I have people like Mahut telling me to be realistic. He was an amazing doubles player, a Grand Slam champion, no doubt, but he didn’t have the singles career I’ve had. That’s probably why he has his opinion. But on the singles court, he never had the belief I have, so that opinion means nothing to me. I’ve achieved way more things playing singles than Mahut could have in his entire career. That belief is what separates players. Federer, Nadal, Djokovic — they were the greatest because people were defeated before they even stepped on the court with them. I don’t want to be that player. I’ll always back my ability and my belief."

Several fans on X (formerly Twitter) vehemently disapproved of Nick Kyrgios' scathing remarks directed at Nicolas Mahut. These fans questioned Kyrgios' achievements, suggesting that the Australian has not won any big titles barring his 2022 Australian Open men's doubles title, and therefore isn't in a position to talk down to the Frenchman.

"Kyrgios never won a 1000 or a slam in his entire career," a fan wrote.

"What career? 7 titles in 11 years and no Masters??? Got to a GS final bcs someone withdrew????" commented another fan, referring to Kyrgios reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final after the legendary Rafael Nadal pulled out from the pair's semifinal clash with injury.

"It’s pronounced “delusion.” Bro hasn't even won a 1000 and is trying to talk about inroads," another chimed in.

Here are some other reactions condemning Kyrgios.

"Lol for someone whose biggest singles title is a 500, and biggest doubles title is a slam (which happens to be his biggest success) he sure has a lot to say," wrote one fan.

"He gets rattled by anyone, and has the ego of a guy who has won multiple slams and masters titles. Mahut was completely right in what he said," another opined.

"Kyrgios has just lost every single match during his comeback;he’s insulted and defamed Sinner since months, but he doesn’t want hear anyone talking about him and he trashes Mahut because he has a realistic point of view about Kyrgios zero chance to beat the number 1 in the world?" one fan asked.

In October this year, Nick Kyrgios had suggested that he is motivated to finally put an end to his singles Grand Slam duck upon his return to competitive tennis.

Nick Kyrgios' "target is a Grand Slam"; Australian laid bare desire to silence critics

Nick Kyrgios (Source: Getty)

Many fans and pundits regard Nick Kyrgios as a player who has the talent at his disposal to win a Major. However, at the same time, they view him as someone who is not as dedicated to the sport as many of his peers. Kyrgios himself has previously admitted that there were times in his career when he didn't take training seriously.

However, in an interview with Code Sports in October 2024, the Australian expressed his intent to win a singles Grand Slam title. According to Kyrgios, doing so would put a stop to his doubters.

"I am coming back because something is keeping me around the game. I have beaten pretty much every person that has been put in front of me, made a final of a Grand Slam, won a doubles title in a Grand Slam, won multiple titles and made money. But I think the one thing that is now on my target is a Grand Slam. I think that will be the only thing that will shut people up at the end of the day," Nick Kyrgios said.

The 2025 Brisbane International is set to mark Nick Kyrgios' comeback. He is also slated to take part in doubles action at the ATP 250 event alongside Novak Djokovic.