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The sport Nick Kyrgios said he preferred over tennis in 2015

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 9:00 PM ET

Nick Kyrgios is one of the most enigmatic characters in tennis.

The Australian star has been an iconic figure since his breakout performance at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships, when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the fourth round.

Since reaching the Wimbledon Men’s Singles final in 2022, Kyrgios has struggled with knee and wrist injuries. However, tennis fans will hope the Australian can make a return to the ATP Tour in 2026.

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Although Kyrgios is a professional tennis player who has dedicated much of his adult life to the sport, there is another activity that he holds greater affection for.

Nick Kyrgios said he preferred basketball to tennis in 2015

In an interview with the Independent in 2015, Kyrgios revealed that he doesn’t have much affection for tennis, and prefers to play basketball.

“I don’t really like the sport of tennis that much. I don’t love it. It was crazy when I was 14. I was all for basketball and I made the decision to play tennis,” Kyrgios said.

“I got pushed by my parents and to this day I can still say I don’t love the sport.”

“It’s good when you’re out there on a tennis court. There’s nowhere to hide. It’s all you, tactically, physically, mentally.

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“But I just love basketball, I love the sport. I always have. I try when I’m on the road with tennis not to watch too many basketball videos and stuff like that, to keep me focused,”

The Australian will return to the court sooner than some may realise: he is set to contest a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match against Aryna Sabalenka on December 28.

The first Battle of the Sexes match took place in 1973, when Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

Which basketball team does Nick Kyrgios co-own?

Nick Kyrgios became part owner of the South East Melbourne Phoenix in 2023. The Australian team have never won the National Basketball League [NBL] – Australia’s top basketball league.

As per the Daily Mail, Kyrgios said: “Everyone knows my basketball roots and to be a part of the NBL. There has been so much growth, it’s a massive move for me, I’m super excited to jump on board and do anything I can to help grow the team. Massive pleasure for me to be a part of it.

“I’m one of the tennis players who doesn’t travel as often, I’m looking to be in Australia a little bit more, whenever they need my help or support I’m willing to do what I can. I’ll give them my time.