The new Formula One world champion once picked his favorite tennis player…
In his seventh Formula One season, Lando Norris emerged victorious, beating out his two biggest rivals, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, to the title.
Writing his name in the history books, Norris will forever be remembered as one of the greats of his generation.
Back in 2022, Norris was asked for his thoughts on two of the greatest players in tennis history, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
However, in true Norris fashion, he chose someone else entirely…
Lando Norris picked Nick Kyrgios ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
During an interview with ESPN in 2022, Norris was asked to pick between Federer and Nadal.
“Who is the Australian tennis player?” he asked his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo.
“[Nick] Kyrgios.”
Responding to Norris’ decision, Kyrgios said this on X.
“My guy,” he said.
“Keep being you and inspiring, brother.”
Fans of tennis will know that Nick Kyrgios is one of the most polarizing figures in the sport.
Born with more talent than most could ever dream of, Kyrgios has long been criticized for a poor work ethic and attitude, which has prevented him from winning the biggest titles in tennis.
While the likes of Nadal and Federer won 20+ Grand Slams, Kyrgios only reached one final, losing to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon three years ago.
Kyrgios may not have won a Grand Slam, but how many ATP titles has he won?
Nick Kyrgios has won seven ATP titles
The Australian star won his first tour-level title at the Open 13 event in Marseille nine years ago.
Kyrgios defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the final 6-2, 7-6, to become a champion on the ATP Tour for the first time.
He won his second and third ATP titles later that same year, emerging victorious in Atlanta and Tokyo.
After a year without a title, Kyrgios added to his trophy cabinet in 2018 by winning the Brisbane International in his native Australia.
He then won two ATP 500 titles in 2019, picking up trophies at the Mexican Open and Washington Open, beating Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev in the respective finals.
Kyrgios didn’t return to another final until 2022, when he lost to Djokovic at Wimbledon.
Bouncing back shortly after, he won his second Washington Open title, defeating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the final.
He hasn’t won another title or reached another final since, as he continues to struggle with injuries.
Kyrgios is, however, planning a return to the tour in 2026, where he will no doubt be after an eighth title.
First, Kyrgios will play women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash.
Kyrgios will play Sabalenka in Dubai on Sunday, December 28.
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