Should Nick Kyrgios cause ‘absolute riot’ against Jannik Sinner at potential Australian Open clash, Mats Wilander questions if Italian can handle it

Tennis legend Mats Wilander has raised questions about whether Jannik Sinner can handle the intense atmosphere and unpredictable nature of a potential clash with Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open. Wilander suggested that if Kyrgios were to bring his trademark energy and showmanship to the match, it could cause an “absolute riot” in the crowd, and he wondered if Sinner, known for his composed demeanor, would be able to handle the pressure.

Kyrgios, one of the sport’s most polarizing figures, is well-known for his fiery on-court antics and ability to rile up both his opponents and the crowd. Playing in front of a home audience at the Australian Open, Kyrgios would likely have the full support of the fans, creating a charged atmosphere that could put extra stress on Sinner.

Speaking about the potential match-up, Wilander noted that while Sinner is a rising star and has been playing incredibly well, handling the psychological aspects of a match against Kyrgios could be a different challenge altogether. He mentioned that Kyrgios thrives in environments where emotions run high and crowds are engaged, and it could disrupt Sinner’s usually calm and focused approach.

Wilander’s comments highlight how much of a wildcard Kyrgios can be on the big stage, especially in front of a home crowd in Melbourne. With Sinner’s steady ascent in the rankings and Kyrgios’ unpredictable style, a potential meeting at the Australian Open could be one of the most entertaining and high-stakes matches of the tournament. The key question, according to Wilander, is whether Sinner can maintain his composure in the face of the inevitable chaos that Kyrgios would bring to such a contest.