Nick Kyrgios spotted in former world No.1 Naomi Osaka's box during win over Aussie Talia Gibson at Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios has been spotted at Wimbledon after all despite pulling out with injury and losing his commentary gig.
The Australian star was a surprise presence in Naomi Osaka's box during her first-round win over Aussie Talia Gibson on Court 18.
Osaka, still hoping to rediscover the form that made her a four-time grand slam champion, saved set points and fought back to claim a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory — then revealed she had no idea Kyrgios was watching.
He missed the start but appeared among the Japanese star's contingent, which includes high-profile coach Patrick Mouratoglou, midway through the second set.
'Oh he was there? I didn't hear anything,' Osaka told reporters.
'I jokingly told someone 'hey, I know Nick's around, maybe he wants to come to my match'.
'But I was joking. Because I know we're like two completely different players.
'Honestly I would've loved to come to his matches because I know he's pretty fun. I think that's also a big part of why we're different.
'I know he tells his box what to do and he probably would've noticed if I was in there, and I zone out most of the time. That's a little embarrassing that he was there. But yeah, I guess it was cool that he was there.'
Kyrgios is managed by Osaka's agency and the pair are set to team up for the new-look US Open mixed doubles event in New York later this year.
'I am glad he came to my match,' Osaka said.
'I hope in some way maybe he felt — I wouldn't be bold enough to say 'inspired', but I hope he can relate a little bit to the things I do too.'
Kyrgios has not played at Wimbledon since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic.
Cruelled by wrist and knee injuries, he returned to tennis during the Australian summer but has had a stop-start season.
He planned to skip the French Open then agreed to play doubles with Jordan Thompson, only to have to pull out with another setback.
Kyrgios was then forced to withdraw from his planned grass-court campaign.
last year's controversial appointment to the team.
'It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine,' he told The Guardian.
'When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans.
'I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.'
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His father Roger Best played in the lower grades for Manly and with the London Broncos in England, while his grandfather, Peter Byrne, played a handful of games for Manly and Newtown. Bradman almost joined Manly as a teenager because of those ties. So combined with the Fenech genes, will baby Best ultimately make their way into boxing or rugby league? "Hopefully, if it's a boy, he can choose," Best, who has an interest in boxing himself, said. "He'll be pretty talented I think." Best's baby will be due just a few weeks before the Knights head to America next year for the 2026 season-opener in Las Vegas. Still receiving plenty of congratulations late last week, Best headed to Hamilton Island over the weekend for a brief break while Newcastle's players were given some time off during this week's bye round. But his trip was interrupted by a surprise call-up to the NSW squad. 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He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and had a professional record of 29 wins, three losses and one draw. "He can't wait, he's stoked," Best said of Jeff's reaction. "He keeps telling me how good the genes are going to be. "My family are very happy as well, and proud." A star in his own right, having played 98 NRL games, two Origins and been on the cusp of representing Australia last year, Best comes from rich sporting bloodlines himself. His father Roger Best played in the lower grades for Manly and with the London Broncos in England, while his grandfather, Peter Byrne, played a handful of games for Manly and Newtown. Bradman almost joined Manly as a teenager because of those ties. So combined with the Fenech genes, will baby Best ultimately make their way into boxing or rugby league? "Hopefully, if it's a boy, he can choose," Best, who has an interest in boxing himself, said. "He'll be pretty talented I think." Best's baby will be due just a few weeks before the Knights head to America next year for the 2026 season-opener in Las Vegas. Still receiving plenty of congratulations late last week, Best headed to Hamilton Island over the weekend for a brief break while Newcastle's players were given some time off during this week's bye round. But his trip was interrupted by a surprise call-up to the NSW squad. Best was only playing his second match back from an injury spell in Newcastle's 22-18 loss to Canberra on Friday, but had scored a double in his return appearance against the Dolphins a week prior. The 23-year-old was an incumbent heading into this year's Origin series, but a hamstring injury ruled him out of potential selection for games one and two. Best has been named at No.20 for the Blues and isn't expected to play, but if he was a late inclusion, it would be the third consecutive year he has played in Origin III. 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7NEWS
2 hours ago
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