Nick Kyrgios ‘knocking on door’ of Grand Slam joy, can win 2023 Australian Open – Andy Murray

Nick Kyrgios is “knocking on the door” of winning his maiden singles major and is in contention to triumph at the 2023 Australian Open, according to former world No. 1 Andy Murray.

After Ashleigh Barty ended Australia’s 44-year wait for a home singles champion, Kyrgios is hoping to match those exploits by winning at the Australian Open.

And Murray, a five-time runner-up at the opening Grand Slam of the season, insists it is a title within his grasp.

“Last year he won the doubles here and then had a great run at Wimbledon as well,” said Murray. “He was really close and he wasn’t that far away at the US Open either.

“He’s been knocking on the door the past couple of Slams and hopefully he has a good preparation and everything to give himself the best chance.

“He can do it but it’s not going to be easy.”

The 27-year-old, somewhat predictably, used the ticket sales to take a swipe at his critics.

“Wow Nick Kyrgios is bad for the sport! Wow what a disgrace, a national embarrassment! How dare he sell out another stadium, the arrogance,” he wrote on Twitter.

Murray, 35, rallied to beat world No. 97 Zhang Zhizhen 2-6 6-3 10-2 at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event.

“I still love hitting tennis balls, I’m fortunate I’m able to do it at a high level, it’s not the level that it was five or six years ago but… I love the sport,” he said.

“I’ve been healthy the last seven months. I’m not awakening with aches and pains like in the last few years.

“As long as the body holds up well and I’m training properly and performing to a level I’m enjoying, then I will keep going. But I don’t have a timeframe [for retirement].”

The Australian Open gets underway on January 16.

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