Whether you love or loathe Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, there's no doubt the sporting maverick is a box office hitter, and he knows it.
Some rusty fans believe Kyrgios is a wasted talent who lacks decorum, others can't get enough of his chutzpah.
Who else could get away with calling the current crop of players on the ATP tour “boring” as they prepare to return to the professional tour after an 18-month hiatus due to injury?
“We watch sports because we want personalities,” Kyrgios said before his first-round match against British star Jacob Fearnley, which is sure to be a sell-out in Melbourne.
“Every time I go out on the court, I don't know if I'm going to be very controversial in a good or bad way.
'Throughout my career, it hasn't always been good, but it has added a lot of excitement.
Whether you love or loathe Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, there's no doubt he's a box office hitter, and he knows it (pictured, with girlfriend Costeen Hatzi)
No one knew what to think when Nick Kyrgios dabbled in commentary at the Open last year: he was a natural.
'I think it's important. “There are so many good players on tour now… but I think there aren't as many contrasting personalities.”
Off the court, Canberra made the case that Kyrgios is a smart operator. But we'll talk about that later.
The man who can list wins over Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on his resume has sponsors lined up to represent him.
Not bad for a guy who has only collected $8,251 in prize money since 2022.
Throughout his career, Kyrgios has lost sponsors due to his conduct, which includes tanking matches, an insult no player wants to be associated with.
Kyrgios is also not afraid to speak his mind; ask Jannik Sinner.
The polarizing star knows that many Australians recognize his great talent, but are often frustrated when Kyrgios loses games he should win.
Like most world-class tennis players, the sport has been kind to him financially.
Kyrgios has earned more than $12 million in prize money alone since turning professional in 2013, and while he has occasionally splurged on luxury items like a Lamborghini, his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi has been a steady influence.
Nick Kyrgios showed off his supreme talent on his way to the Wimbledon final in 2022 (pictured)
Unable to play for the All England club last year, Kyrgios got a job with the BBC (pictured)
The loved-up couple plan to settle down and have children, but Kyrgios is in no rush.
It seems that he enjoys riding the wave as his sporting career reaches its twilight phase, which is why his other interests have also become evident.
Realistically, no one knew what to think when Kyrgios dabbled in commentary at the Open last year, but he was a natural talent, and his agent Stuart Duguid was impressed by his composure.
“I think that if he wants, he can be the best there is. He will continue to improve more and more,” he said.
'I mean, his tennis IQ is a complete joke, it's off the charts. “He's probably one of the tallest, if not the tallest, and that's why he's done so well without a coach.”
The man himself enjoyed being on the other side and was quick to point out that “the money is ridiculous.”
Not that he needed it, it was a perfect example of his Jekyll and Hyde personality.
Kyrgios' off-court interests have attracted attention: A fanatic NBA follower of the Boston Celtics, the 29-year-old has invested in Australian NBL club South East Melbourne Phoenix, as well as his own foundation and at the Miami Pickleball Club.
Plagued by injuries since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022 against all odds, deep down Kyrgios probably knows this was his golden opportunity to win a singles Grand Slam and silence the skeptics.
Some tennis fans think Kyrgios is a wasted talent, others can't get enough of his chutzpah
Once sworn enemies, Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic recently played doubles together at the Brisbane International.
But with Kyrgios, expect the unexpected.
Who could have predicted he would win the Australian Open doubles title three years ago with his good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis after they entered the tournament “for a bit of a laugh”?
In terms of his future, Kyrgios probably doesn't know what projects he will dive into.
Tennis, apart from potentially being a commentator for all four Grand Slams, seems unlikely given that Kyrgios has often said that he “doesn't love the sport, he just happens to be pretty good at it.”
With people like Duguid in his corner, doors are sure to open.
It all depends on whether the greatest tennis showman since John McEnroe decides to walk among them.