Kyrgios spotted in former world No.1's box during win over Aussie
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 once made her world No.1 and a four-time grand slam champion, saved set points and fought on 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.' Naomi Osaka speaks with her high-profile coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Credit: AAP
Kyrgios is managed by Osaka's agency and the pair are set to team up for the new-look US Open mixed doubles event later this year.
They have previously played an exhibition doubles match together at the New York grand slam.
'I am glad he came to my match,' Osaka said at Wimbledon.
'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.'
Gibson made it tough for Osaka but twice missed out when serving to take the contest into a third set.
'I was a little bit disappointed I wasn't able to quite take it to a third set,' Gibson said.
'But I will take a huge amount of confidence from that match, being able to show myself that I'm able to fully compete with a champion like her.'
Meanwhile, 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.
But unlike last year he has not picked up a commentary gig, having gone unsigned by the BBC following 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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