Kyrgios still expects a spark on court with old flame Ajla

Nick Kyrgios likely won’t have any inhibitions as he teams with former girlfriend Ajla Tomljanovic for Australia at the new United Cup in Sydney.

The tennis bad boy and his ex are among the Australian side at the international team event which duplicates the now-defunct Hopman Cup; play will begin in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane four days after Christmas.

Kyrgios split with Tomljanovic several years ago and is now with social media influencer Costeen Hatzi.

The Wimbledon finalist sounds unlikely to have any problems taking to the court alongside his former squeeze in mixed doubles.

“Seeing some of the best females in the world playing with the best males, it definitely provides some really good entertainment,” Kyrgios said.

“How the  male kind of lets the female do her thing on the court and not get in the way. That’s fun to watch.”

Wimbledon quarter-finalist Tomljanovic, who defeated Serena Williams at the US Open three months ago, is joined on the national team by Alex de Minaur, Jason Kubler, Maddison Inglis, Zoe Hives, John Peers and playing co-captain Samantha Stosur.

“It’s just a great event to have, an event where females and males come together as one to represent their nation,” Kyrgios said. 

“To have all the best athletes from around the world together, I think it’s a very special event. 

“We don’t have very many events during the year where both males and females are in the same spot playing the one event together competing for prize money, a top title and representing your country all in one.”

Kyrgios and Tomljanovic played mixed doubles at the 2016 Australian Open when they were still a couple.

Main photo:-Nick Kyrgios and current girlfriend Costeen Hatzi Australian Open 2022 by George Sal/TENNIS AUSTRALIA