Nick Kyrgios may be the greatest player who can’t win a singles match, he lost 36 46 to Aleksandar Kovacevic in Brisbane. Kyrgios explained his ongoing dilemma: “I had a wrist reconstruction and two knee ops. I’m never going to be — I think it’s unfair. I use Thanasi as an example or myself as an example or Del Potro or Thiem or Nishikori, we look at some of these people that were at the top of their game competing for Grand Slams, and then you have parts of your body that just fail and can’t take the load of being at that top level. You know, that’s what happens. I mean, it’s so hard for me to go out there, even on the practice courts sometimes, and realize that even the thought — there was a point in my life in 2022 or when I was, you know, winning like multiple titles in a year, there was an ultimate, there was actually, like, a delusion I generally thought I was the best player in the world. I think people confuse it, when you’re at the top of the sport, I genuinely thought I was unbeatable. I’d go out on court, and I thought no one can genuinely beat me. You actually have that confidence and delusion that you are that person. I just don’t think that after you have these surgeries or I guess they kind of pull you down, and it’s like you don’t have that belief anymore. It’s sad, in a way, but that’s just the reality. Like finals of Wimbledon, quarterfinals at US Open, I barely lost a match all year, and then you have I guess these surgeries that – I guess the people out there, they think that, you know, you just go under the knife and come back and it’s just, you sit on the couch until he recovers and you throw him back out there and he’s the same player. That’s just not how it is. It’s not reality. It’s just sport. So you can’t be too upset. That’s why you have to really be grateful for moments like that doubles match the other night, and the fact that I got through this and I’m ready to play doubles tomorrow, I’m still extremely happy with myself and proud of myself. All credit, by the way, I think it’s selfish for me to talk about just myself all the time. Credit to my opponent today. He played lights out. You can tell that he’s new to the tour, locked in, excited, and he’s a hell of a player. You know, he’s going to be one to watch, for sure. He’s obviously had a breakthrough year last year and he’s going to continue to have big wins. I want to give my credit to my opponent, as well. It’s not like he played like shit or something.”
Fascinating to hear Craig Tiley say on Tennis Channel that he keeps his scheduling room very secretive because there are now betting odds on what court and when players will play at the Australian Open. At this point it’s safe to say betting on tennis is at a very concerning level.
Karen Khachanov and Jiri Lehecka both will now wear Wilson attire.
Novak Djokovic has departed from the PTPA revolt movement, presumably so he can devote all his energies to his match court activities which are draining enough at age 38 going on 39. Djokovic withdrew from Adelaide because he’s “Not quite physically ready to compete.”
Filipina Alexandra Eala continues to trend up the rankings, with a Auckland win over Donna Vekic. She credited the support from Filipino fans: “It’s so special. If there’s one thing I learned in 2025 it’s that home is the people and not the place. Thank you everyone.”
Danielle Collins made her Tennis Channel broadcasting debut and will skip Down Under circuit. She said she is undergoing health procedures like freezing her eggs. TV is her first real job since being a nanny in college.
Following a successful trial period together during preseason, ATP no. 58 Aleksander Kovacevic has added David Witt to his team in Brisbane. Witt previously coached Frances Tiafoe and Venus Williams. American Kovacevic, who played at Illinois University, will continue to also be coached by Damion Jackson.
Aryna Sabalenka is still talking about her Battle of Sexes match vs Kyrgios: Aryna: “I mean, guys, what I’m sad about is that some people got it wrong, the whole idea of that event. I don’t care. You know, I feel like there is always going to be people who don’t like you, don’t respect you, don’t support you. But there is so many people who support me who really cheer me on and who find inspiration in me, and I’m focusing on that part. I’m not even thinking about that exhibition. It was fun. It was a great challenge. I think we brought so many eyes on tennis. It wasn’t about proving something to anyone. It was about to show that tennis can be really huge and we can bring, like, a lot of attention on the exhibition match, which usually never happen, and we just proved that, that that’s all what it was about and fun. And there is a lot of people who supported us, and I’m just focusing on that. Going into this match, I was just playing my tennis. I was focusing on my game, on things that I was working on. That’s it.”
Sebastian Korda is now being coached by Ryan Harrison.
America’s highest ranked doubles player Christian Harrison will not play in 2026 with Evan King, instead he switched to Neal Skupski . The 31 year old Harrison is ranked 15 and has his sights set on world no. 1 currently held by 32 year old Lloyd Glasspool. 36 year old Skupski is ranked 9.
Alexandra Eala · Australian Open · Nick Kyrgios · Novak Djokovic · Wilson
Steve · January 6, 2026 at 4:07 pm
I will miss Ryan Harrison in the commentary booth.
Christian teaming with Skupski is big. A few years ago it seemed Koolhof and Skupski were in most finals or semis.
Scoop Malinowski · January 6, 2026 at 4:56 pm
Harrison is still broadcasting for BBC and I saw him doing interviews on court this week for Tennis Channel. He lives in Bradenton. One of my teammates down here is dating Pat Harrison’s twin sister Patty.
Steve · January 8, 2026 at 2:12 pm
Speaking of Aussies I just watched highlights of Blake Ellis putting on a serve clinic against Tomic.
Blake Ellis has a beautiful, pin point motion with effortless pace.
Scoop Malinowski · January 8, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Steve I do remember Blake Ellis as a touted junior, still out there grinding it out. Tomic just can’t get over the hump but he keeps on grinding and inching up the rankings.