“I feel like my motivation is a lot higher than it used to be” – Kyrgios “reinvented” wants to capitalize on his small window
The Australian, back inside the world’s top 40, says he had been reinventing himself as he hopes to make the best out of his career
Nick Kyrgios, 2022 | © AI / Reuters / Panoramic
When it came to Nick Kyrgios, there was no question about his talent. It’s always been there in abundance for everyone to see. But what has been missing in his career prior to this year is the motivation and the dedication to become the best version of himself.
Eight months into the 2022 season, Kyrgios has repeatedly shown that he is motivated to dedicate himself to becoming more professional and the results are there to be seen by one and all.
The Australian has a 27-7 record this year, highlighted by reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and winning his first Major at the Australian Open men’s doubles . On Sunday, Kyrgios became the first player to win the Citi Open singles and doubles in the same year.
Kyrgios : “A lot ore mature”
After the win, the 27-year-old himself admitted that he is more motivated than ever before, especially with a girlfreind and a future to think about.
“I feel as if I’m a lot older, a lot more mature, and I feel like when you play on the tour and you age and you get older, you realize you shouldn’t be taking these things for granted, the way you’re feeling, the way your body feels. Also, I have a partner with me now I see a future with and I kind of see that I have to provide for. So I feel like my motivation is a lot higher than it used to be.”
At 27, Kyrgios is no longer among the younger lot on the tour but given his resrrcited playing schedule, he could still have plenty left in the tank to last him for several more years.
“I just feel like there is a small window I should capitalize on it. I don’t care about what people say about my tennis, like always disrespectful to the sport, all this, all that. I know that deep down that I try really hard to do it my own way. I know that I inspire millions of people, and I’m just playing for them. I wouldn’t even say I’m playing for myself at this point. I just want to go out there, have fun, try my best, and do it my way. I think that people are starting to see that a little bit more.”
“I feel like I have really kind of reinvented myself this year” – Kyrgios
The Australian added that he feels like one of the best players on the tour this year, something that the rankings also support. Kyrgios’ win in Atlanta moves him to No 37 in the world in singles and No 22 in doubles (a career-high for him). If you add the points that he would have earned at Wimbledon any other year, the Aussie would be ranked inside the world’s top 20.
“I feel like I have been feeling like this for the last, I’d say, almost eight months. I feel like before Oz Open, I decided that I really wanted to put in a good training block, and then things just started falling into place.
The rest of my life started just everything was really good. I had a great Australian Open. I felt like the tournaments after Australian Open I was kind of reinventing myself a little bit on the court.”
“I was incredibly intense, playing some really good matches, had some great results earlier in the year. Played a great grass court season. Made a couple semifinals and was right there. I was always knocking on the door of a singles title. I was waiting for it. I felt like I was one of the best players in the world this year by far.
I feel if I had points from Wimbledon, I’d be nearing on the top 10. So, I feel like I have really kind of reinvented myself this year.”
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