The spat between Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner has escalated with the world no.2 unsure if he would rather spend time with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un or the controversial Aussie.
Tension between the two tennis stars has been brewing in recent years with Kyrgios outspoken after Sinner received a transparent three-month ban for testing positive to clostebol in 2024 - a banned steroid.
Sinner has largely remained silent through all criticism of his suspension, but revealed his contempt for Kyrgios during the Pod Laver Arena podcast.
When asked if he would rather play doubles with Jong-Un or Kyrgios, Sinner gave the expected answer, but he surprised when queried about hanging out with the Aussie.
MORE: Australian Open LIVE: Scores, schedule, results, updates for AO tennis 2026
"Well playing tennis definitely with Nick. I don’t want to lose... But also to hang out, honestly... I don’t know," Sinner said.
The two-time Australian Open winner was given a kind first-up match at Melbourne Park with his opponent Hugo Gaston retiring after two sets.\
His second-round match will be against Australian wildcard James Duckworth on Thursday.
Kyrgios is not playing singles at the Australian Open in 2026, but is expected to play doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis - also on Thursday.
How to watch the Australian Open: TV channel, free-to-air guide in Australia
The Nine Network is the free-to-air home of the Australian Open in 2026.
All key matches will be broadcast free on TV across the Channel 9 and 9Gem channels.
Broadcast schedules will be determined on a daily basis but matches involving Australians and other notable players will typically receive free-to-air priority.
Channel 9 will serve as the main broadcast channel with 9Gem also providing day-long coverage.
What time does coverage start at the Australian Open?
In the opening week at Melbourne Park, Nine’s coverage will begin at 10:00 am (AEDT) with the on-court action scheduled to begin daily at 11:00 am (AEDT).
Play in the feature night sessions begins at 7:00 pm (AEDT).
Check your local TV guide for the each day’s schedule.