Nick Kyrgios is confident he has what it takes to defeat Jannik Sinner in a thriller showdown, but Nicolas Mahut fears the result will not go in favour of the home star.
Kyrgios' return to the tennis slam circuit will begin on Australian soil, when he competes at the Brisbane International before starting his quest to claim the Australian Open title.
Having been out of action due to injury for the past 18 months, many are eager to watch how Kyrgios' comeback story unfolds, given his desire to take on the world's best.
The 29-year-old has not shied away of voicing his opinion about Sinner since it was confirmed the Italian had recorded two positive tests to banned substances.
The saga around the world number one is not one that Kyrgios fears will impact his own game if the pair were to meet at the Australian Open.
"Let's be honest, I just want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner. I'm waiting for it, man," he told the Nothing Major Podcast.
Jannik Sinner and Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon in 2022. Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
The comments on the podcast did not sit lightly with five-time grand slam doubles winner Mahut, who said Kyrgios' proposed plan to "inflame" the situation around Sinner to involve the crowd was "unnecessary".
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Mahut, 42, continued to reveal his belief that Sinner would win comfortably if the showdown was to occur.
"I think all the things before the mach are harder to handle for Sinner than the match itself," Mahut told Eurosport.
"Kyrgios hasn't been back that long and of course you can dream of the title at the Australian Open, but you have to be realistic.
"Even if the crowd gets excited, Sinner will win that with 6-3's."
Responding to Mahut's statement, Kyrgios declared the opinion of the Frenchman "means nothing" as his singles career can not be compared to that of his own.
"Nicolas Mahut, on a global level, hasn't made inroad like I have so I'll let that be," he told Telecom Asia Sport.
"And I don't think the world necessarily cares too much about what Nicolas Mahut has to say.
"I have people like Mahut telling me to be realistic. He was an amazing doubles player, a grand slam champion, no doubt, but he didn't have the singles career I've had. That's probably why he has his opinion.
"I've achieved way more things playing singles than Mahut could have in his entire career. That belief is what separates players."
"Federer, Nadal, Djokovic – they were the greatest because people were defeated before they even stepped on the court with them.
"I'll always back my ability and my belief."
Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the Nitto ATP Finals trophy and ATP World Number One Player trophy. Getty
Since making his debut on the professional circuit in 2013 at the French Open, Kyrgios has only faced Sinner once.
The match was played in 2022 in the round of 16 at the Miami Open, with Sinner coming out on top 7-6 (3), 6-3.
Prior to the Miami Open, the pair were scheduled to face off at the Indian Wells, however Sinner was forced to withdraw, with Kyrgios handed a walkover into the next round.
The Australian Open will begin on January 12, 2025.
