Kyrgios And Ruud Forget Their Wild Past As They Bond In Abu Dhabi

Nick Kyrgios has repeatedly gone after Jannik Sinner in recent months. However, he and Casper Ruud have put their past differences aside and showcased that at the World Tennis League.

Kyrgios' appearance at the World Tennis League should be the perfect preparation for his return to the ATP Tour. Aside from one match at the 2023 Stuttgart Open, the Australian has been missing for over two years.

His first ATP event at the Brisbane International during the opening week of the new season promises to be epic because it will include playing doubles with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Although Kyrgios and Djokovic meeting at the Australian Open would be epic, the 29-year-old wants to meet Sinner at this home Grand Slam after repeatedly criticizing the ATP world No. 1 since he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol at this year's Indian Wells Open.

Sinner's case is still ongoing after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. A ruling will be reached sometime in 2025, but not before February 11th, after the case did not appear on those confirmed until then.

Kyrgios has promised to show Sinner no respect if they meet at the Australian Open and plans to turn the entire crowd against him. The contest would draw millions of fans worldwide, but the probability of it happening is small.

Sinner is one of several players Kyrgios has expressed disdain for over the years. Ironically, Djokovic used to be on that list even though he and the Serbian now share a close friendship since 2022, evidenced by them entering the doubles tournament in Brisbane.

Kyrgios used to hate Djokovic's great rival and fellow tennis legend Rafael Nadal even more. The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up recently described how he used to be more motivated than usual before matches against the Spaniard.

Ruud was another player Kyrgios disliked. The controversial Australian once claimed that he would rather watch paint dry than any of the three-time Grand Slam runner-up's matches.

Read also

Kyrgios Clarifies Words About Sinner & Alcaraz Not Having Aura Of Past Legends

However, Kyrgios and Ruud playing each other at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown this year seems to have changed their relationship. The mutual liking and respect for each other contrasts with the animosity that once existed.

Kyrgios and Ruud were teammates at the World Tennis League. Their team was unable to reach the final, but the pair defeated Sumit Nagal and Jordan Thompson in doubles and visibly enjoyed each other's company throughout the match.

That goodwill was shown by a comment Ruud made on the bench with Kyrgios, admitting that neither of them could have predicted they would end up as a doubles pair after their previous heated exchanges.

Kyrgios gave further evidence of their improved relationship on Instagram afterward. He shared a picture of the pair at the World Tennis League and said playing alongside Ruud was a pleasure.

Read also

Andrey Rublev Secures WTL Title For His Team After Another Sensational Comeback