Kyrgios' tattoo journey from 2014 to present day



Despite making his living playing tennis, Nick Kyrgios has made it no secret that basketball is his true passion. The Aussie follows the sport religiously, and is a vocal Celtics fan. But on Monday, the 24-year-old  revealed a new sleeve tattoo dedicated to Kobe Bryant.

Inked Up - Player Tattoos

Kyrgios posted his new ink on social media, as well as a video showing off his thoughts during the process. He also had Lebron James, and a pair of Air Jordan 1's added to the artwork of the late Bryant.

His new ink makes fans fondly remember that time in 2014 when everyone thought this sports tape was an arm sleeve.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios reacts to winning a tie-break point against Canada's Milos Raonic during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 2, 2014. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT  - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE        (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP via Getty Images)
© AFP via Getty Images

This isn't the first tattoo for Kyrgios, although it is his biggest and boldest. While his right arm seems now completely covered up, he did have a number of smaller tattoos on the same limb.

"Time is Running Out" was written on his right forearm.

A tatoo on Australia's Nick Kyrgios's arm reads "Time is running out" during his men's singles third round match against Canada's Milos Raonic on day five of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 3, 2015.   RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE  --  AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK        (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
© AFP via Getty Images

He added a broken feather tattoo just above that text.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Andrey Rublev of Russia shake hands following their Men's Singles third round match on day six of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
© 2019 Getty Images

On his right wrist, he had the name of his ex-girlfriend, Ajla Tomljanovic. Although some thought the tattoo might not have been permanent or was removed, it was visible as recently as January.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Nick Kyrgios of Australia (R) shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain at the net following their Men's Singles fourth round match on day eight of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images)
© 2020 Getty Images

The text "Inspire Others" on his outer right hand is still visible, as is a small tattoo on his right index finger and the number "74" on his right middle finger. It commemorates his grandmother's age when she passed away in 2014.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Nick Kyrgios of Australia (L) shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain at the net following their Men's Singles fourth round match on day eight of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© 2020 Getty Images

Don't forget it's quite possible that the world No. 40 has more ink the public just isn't privy to. One thing everyone does know: Even during quarantine, there is never a dull moment when it comes to what Kyrgios might do next.

Check out the latest episode of the TENNIS.com Podcast: