“I would love to have played during this era in my prime”: Nick Kyrgios feels today’s field is easier to break through
**Nick Kyrgios Claims Today’s Tennis Field Is Easier to Break Through**
Nick Kyrgios, the polarizing Australian tennis star, stirred debate with a bold statement during the Italian Open on May 17, 2025, claiming he would have thrived in today’s ATP field if he were in his prime. “I would love to have played during this era in my prime, for sure,” Kyrgios said, as reported by Yardbarker and TennisUpToDate.com. “I think I would have made the fourth round or quarters pretty easily.” The comment, shared on X by @TennisUpToDate2, reflects Kyrgios’ belief that the current men’s tennis landscape lacks the depth of past eras, making it easier for a player of his caliber to break through.[](https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/i_would_love_to_have_played_during_this_era_in_my_prime_nick_kyrgios_feels_todays_field_is_easier_to_break_through/s1_17460_42209419)
Kyrgios, ranked No. 92 due to limited play in 2025 following wrist and knee injuries, pointed to the absence of the “Big Three”—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—at their peak as a key factor. He argued that the current field, led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, is less intimidating, with fewer players capable of consistently dominating. His remarks come amid a transitional ATP era, with Sinner and Alcaraz emerging as top dogs but facing inconsistency, as seen in Sinner’s Italian Open final loss to Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev’s early Hamburg Open exits, per Tennis365.com.
Fans and analysts on X had mixed reactions. Some, like @TennisConnected, agreed, citing Kyrgios’ 2022 Wimbledon final run and wins over Djokovic as evidence he could exploit today’s volatility. Others, including @eaglelex_eth, called his claim “arrogant,” arguing players like Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti pose significant challenges. Kyrgios’ prime, marked by his 2016-2017 top-20 seasons, saw him beat top players with his explosive serve and flair, but injuries have limited him to just 10 matches in 2025, per ATP data.
Critics note Kyrgios’ comments may downplay the current field’s talent while ignoring his own struggles with consistency, even in his prime. As he eyes a 2025 comeback, possibly at Wimbledon, his provocative take has reignited discussions about his unfulfilled potential and the evolving ATP landscape.
