Failed comeback deal a heavy blow, jokingly admits a steep fall from grace; Kyrgios says money is his main motivation for playing

Following his comeback debut in Brisbane, the result was a major setback for the Australian bad boy!

Encyclopedia data shows that Kyrgios’s most recent match before this was at the 2023 Stuttgart 250 tournament, where he was defeated by former Chinese top player Wu Yibing.

Returning to the tour after nearly three years, there was considerable attention on Kyrgios’s performance in Brisbane during the 2026 season. Coupled with his own confidence, his comeback match became one of the most popular spotlight battles. Everyone was eager to see what kind of results the never-easily-defeated “Coconut” would ultimately deliver.

However, once the spotlight match ended, reality delivered the harshest lesson to Kyrgios. Facing world No. 58 Kovalchuk, the Australian bad boy was ruthlessly swept 3-6, 4-6.

The dissatisfaction with this result stemmed from pre-match expectations that the contest would go to three sets, which would better showcase Kyrgios’s depth of skill. Unexpectedly, Kyrgios didn’t even reach a deciding set before conceding the match.

“In 2022, I had an extreme illusion that I was truly one of the best players in the world, invincible.” From Kyrgios’s words, one can clearly sense how deeply the failed comeback affected him. Previously, no matter what he faced, the Australian bad boy always believed in his ability and competitiveness, refusing to admit defeat—this was why he proudly defeated Sabalenka in the earlier gender battle, showcasing his rare feat of beating former Big Four players. But now, he must confront the harsh reality, finally recognizing the path beneath his feet and no longer believing himself invincible.

Some netizens commented on Kyrgios’s statement, saying that the once confident Australian bad boy now appears quite tragic, evoking sympathy and pity.

Right after being swept by Kovalchuk and returning to the locker room, Russian star Medvedev offered warm encouragement, urging Kyrgios not to lose hope over the comeback, and to keep looking forward, saying, “Occasional losses are part of the recovery process.”

“Right now, I might only be at 70% or 80% form, maybe even at a disadvantage.” Regarding his loss to Kovalchuk, Kyrgios praised his opponent’s excellent play and potential, while admitting his own current state wasn’t at its best. He emphasized that he will never return to his former peak— the boy who once played like the wind is now a thing of the past, and that’s why he lost.

When asked why he didn’t wait to fully recover physically before returning, Kyrgios bluntly answered, “For the money.”

Kyrgios likely knew that openly stating “money is my biggest motivation to play right now” would stir public debate, but the reason he gave afterward is undeniable: “My parents weren’t wealthy while I was growing up, and I don’t think there’s any shame in admitting that.”

The Australian bad boy stressed that despite his parents’ modest means, they supported him in pursuing this costly sport. He feels that playing for money is not shameful but rather a way to repay his parents, a form of filial piety, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of saying it.

Fans and netizens praised Kyrgios, saying he simply spoke boldly what many players want to say but don’t dare to, and “just for this honesty, he deserves my fandom.”

Although losing his comeback debut was a heavy blow, the Australian bad boy’s confidence was not completely shattered by the defeat to Kovalchuk. “I’m not afraid to lose, nor afraid to lose to opponents most people think I shouldn’t lose to. I will keep going.”

Kyrgios implied that besides wanting to keep playing and earning money, he has already planned ways to regain confidence, hoping to build it gradually through doubles victories as stepping stones, continuing to pursue his first singles win after the comeback.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Starry Sky of the Moon River)