Nick Kyrgios slams tennis world for portraying him ‘something he wasn’t’


Nick Kyrgios slams tennis world for portraying him ‘something he wasn’t’

Nick Kyrgios

Although Nick Kyrgios has built a reputation for himself by letting off steam on the court and causing controversy with his words and actions, he is also one of tennis’s raw talents, as he has time and again proven. In the men’s singles ATP rankings, the 26-year-old has reached as high as 13th. He has six ATP titles and has appeared in nine ATP finals, making him one of tennis’ more feared players to play against. 

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Kyrgios was one of the many tennis players and fans who were excited for the Paribas Open early on Thursday morning. In the midst of the excitement, Krygios realised he had lost his cell and began rummaging through his several bags in an attempt to locate it. He took a video of himself once it was back in his hands, beaming at the camera crew who had captured the entire incident.

As he rode in his golf cart to his opening match at the BNP Paribas Open, the Australian was unconcerned about the high winds that had afflicted his peers across Thursday’s tournament schedule, nor was he concerned about his upcoming opponent, a tenacious Argentine, Sebastian Baez. He cruised through Baez in two easy sets, 6-4, 6-0, and after their match, he scrawled “be positive” on the camera.

This hitherto unseen lighter side of Kyrgios has never been shown. This time, though, it was not unexpected because the Australian has previously spoken openly about his personal struggles with mental illness, and the darker times in his past which he had overcome recently. He now appears and claims to be in a lot happier and calmer frame of mind.

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Kyrgios also admitted that he was forced to be a “certain player” to live up to the expectations of the tennis world. The Australian has been in high spirits so far this season, however, he opened up on feeling like he had to be “something [he] wasn’t” in the past.

“I’m just in a different mindset. I kind of feel like I’m a bit younger mentally, I feel fresh again, and obviously, I’m healthy again with my left knee. I feel like I’m playing some pretty good tennis,” he remarked.

“Every time I play a match now, I don’t take it for granted,” he said on court.

“I was out for a fair chunk of the last couple years, and there’ve of course been a couple world issues (the Russia-Ukraine war) that hit, so I don’t take anything for granted playing on this beautiful stadium at this beautiful event,” he added.

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A hit-or-miss Australian Open for Nick Kyrgios

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios with the 2022 Australian Open trophy
Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios with the 2022 Australian Open trophy

For Kyrgios, doubles has really been a resounding success, as he showed a lot of friendship and national pride to win his maiden major title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open. The 26-year-old appeared to have found his calling in the more amicable team style, despite his many issues with health, both physical and mental.

After dispatching Baez, who entered the Indian Wells Tennis Garden with a career-high ranking and bright from his first ATP final, Kyrgios demonstrated that he has much more to say on the singles court. Despite his lack of match experience, Kyrgios knows how to prioritize excellence above quantity, highlighting his four-set match with world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open as an example.

“I thought I put in some great performances at the Australian Open, went toe-to-toe with the best player in the world and had chances. Honestly, I feel good, and I’ll just enjoy some doubles tomorrow with Thanasi and just vibe. I’m even excited for dinner tonight; I take nothing for granted,” the Australian said.

Kyrgios is next up against 32nd seeded Federico Delbonis in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters 2022.

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Also read: “It’s frustrating, still trying to figure everything “- Emma Raducanu reflects on disappointing start to her season, hopes for a better outing at the Indian Wells