Nick Kyrgios has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and when it comes to tennis rivalries, his outspoken nature has often captured the attention of fans worldwide. Recently, the Australian tennis star revealed something unexpected about one of his greatest rivals, Rafael Nadal. Kyrgios admitted that, at one point in his career, he harbored intense feelings of dislike towards the Spanish tennis legend. The admission has left fans wondering about the reasons behind such animosity and how their relationship has evolved over the years.

Kyrgios and Nadal’s rivalry is well-documented. Over the years, the two players have clashed on and off the court, with their contrasting personalities and playing styles often making for heated encounters. However, Kyrgios’s latest comments shed light on a deeper, more personal side of their relationship, one that has gone beyond the fierce competition and high-stakes matches.

In a candid interview, Kyrgios revealed that, in the past, he “used to hate and despise” Nadal. The confession may come as a shock to fans, as the two have often shared mutual respect during press conferences and interviews, despite their on-court clashes. Kyrgios reflected on why he had such strong feelings towards Nadal, stating, “I used to hate and despise him. I was a lot younger, and I didn’t understand what it took to get to the level Rafa is at. When I was starting out, I was trying to make a name for myself, and it felt like everything I did was being compared to him.”

For Kyrgios, the early days of his professional career were a whirlwind of attention, pressure, and scrutiny. As one of tennis’s most exciting and controversial young talents, he often found himself under the spotlight. At that time, Nadal’s dominance in the sport was undeniable, and Kyrgios, still carving out his own path, felt the weight of constant comparisons. “I always felt like I was being put in a box,” Kyrgios explained. “Everyone wanted to know why I wasn’t like Nadal or Federer. It wasn’t just about the tennis – it was about the way they carried themselves off the court too. I didn’t like how the media tried to mold me into something I wasn’t.”

Kyrgios has always been known for his fiery and unpredictable personality, a stark contrast to Nadal’s disciplined and humble demeanor. While Nadal’s work ethic and professionalism have earned him widespread admiration, Kyrgios struggled with the constant comparison. His frustration boiled over, and for a time, it manifested as animosity towards Nadal. “I saw how he was treated by the media, and I thought it was unfair,” Kyrgios admitted. “It felt like I was being judged for every little mistake, while Rafa could do no wrong. I didn’t like that, and it made me resent him for a while.”

But as Kyrgios matured and gained more experience on the tour, his views on Nadal began to shift. The animosity he once felt began to dissipate as he gained a deeper understanding of Nadal’s journey and the sacrifices he had made to reach the pinnacle of tennis. Kyrgios acknowledged that he now sees Nadal in a different light. “As I got older, I started to realize what it takes to get to Rafa’s level. The amount of dedication, the sacrifices, the mental toughness—it’s unreal,” Kyrgios said. “I gained a lot of respect for him, not just as a player, but as a person too.”

Kyrgios’s newfound respect for Nadal was further solidified after they had the chance to share more time together, both on and off the court. Despite their past tensions, the two have managed to develop a mutual understanding over the years. In particular, Kyrgios has pointed to Nadal’s resilience and unrelenting passion for the game as qualities he now admires. “I may have hated him before, but now I have a lot of respect for him,” Kyrgios explained. “What he’s done for the game is incredible. His consistency, his drive—it’s something I can learn from.”

The evolution of their relationship has not gone unnoticed. The tennis world has witnessed a shift in their interactions, with Kyrgios often speaking highly of Nadal in recent interviews. In fact, after their most recent encounter at Wimbledon, where Kyrgios made it clear he had no intentions of letting up against Nadal, he later expressed how much he valued their rivalry. “I’ve learned a lot from playing against Rafa. He’s one of the greatest of all time, and our battles have shaped me as a player,” Kyrgios said. “It’s always been a challenge to face him, but I’ve come to appreciate that challenge.”

Today, Kyrgios’s attitude towards Nadal can best be described as one of admiration and respect. While their rivalry remains intense, the animosity of the past has given way to a more nuanced understanding of each other’s careers. Kyrgios credits Nadal’s influence as a motivating factor in his own growth, both as a player and as a person. “You can’t help but learn from someone like Rafa. His work ethic is second to none, and I’m constantly pushing myself to match that,” Kyrgios shared.

Despite their previous differences, the relationship between Kyrgios and Nadal seems to have matured over time. Both players have acknowledged the importance of their rivalry, and while they may not always see eye to eye, it’s clear that their encounters on the court have become a source of mutual respect. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the challenges Rafa has presented me with,” Kyrgios said. “In a way, our rivalry has made me a better player.”

In the end, Nick Kyrgios’s journey of personal growth and understanding is a reminder that rivalries in sports can be more than just about competition—they can be about learning, evolving, and ultimately respecting one another’s journey. Kyrgios’s transformation from someone who “hated and despised” Nadal to someone who now respects him as a player and a person is a testament to the power of time, maturity, and reflection.