“I always carry this chip on my shoulder” Kyrgios wants to prove his big stage chops again against Medvedev
The Aussie is beyond excited for another chance to prove the haters wrong in New York.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during a match against J.J. Wolf of the United States on day five of the 2022 U.S. Open|| AI / Reuters / Panoramic
Nick Kyrgios has legions of fans who fawn over his every move. But he also has his share of haters – and there is nothing he enjoys more than proving them wrong.
Ahead of his round of 16 clash with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev at the US Open, the Aussie told reporters that he craves the big stage and the chance to remind everybody that he’s better than ever, no matter how they feel about him.
Kyrgios has always been a polarizing figure in the sport, one who can blow minds with his silky touch and his jaw-dropping athleticism. But his on-court antics have rubbed many the wrong way, and he’s taken plenty of heat for it over the course of his career.
Kyrgios knows “a lot of people hate my game”
But that criticism and negative energy only serves to spur Kyrgios on at this point in his career. The Wimbledon finalist is at peace with himself and his game, and he can take any hate and spin it out as surreal tennis.
He hopes to do that on Sunday in New York, when he faces top-seeded Medvedev in the most heavily anticipated match of the tournament on the men’s side.
“That’s where I want to be,” he said of the fifth career meeting between the two. “That is why I work hard. It makes it even sweeter. I know a lot of people don’t want me to succeed. I know a lot of people hate my game, the way I do things, they way I go about it.
“I’m the only Australian still left on the men’s side. It’s the same story every time, literally every time in a Grand Slam.”
Proud of himself, win or lose
Kyrgios says he will embrace the opportunity to knock off a World No 1 for a third time in his career, and even if he doesn’t come out on top, he’ll finish the tournament with pride.
“I embrace it. Win or lose, I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” he said. “I’ve worked hard to be in the fourth round against the US Open, hopefully against Medvedev. I want to be there. I think that’s where every tennis player wants to be, playing the best players in the world in the best stadiums in the world, getting paid well. I’m looking forward to it.”
On facing Medvedev: “I know my game plan”
Both Kyrgios and Medvedev agree that their last meeting in Montreal is important for many reasons. For one, it was recent, giving both players a taste of the other’s level as they head into one of their most important clashes.
Kyrgios says he knows how he will play, and adds that his level is right where it needs to be to defeat the defending champion.
“I know my game plan if it’s Medvedev,” he said. “I’m happy if I win or lose playing that way. I’m definitely going to play a certain way against him. I’m happy to lose that way and I’m happy to win that way.
“I think my level is right there. I think there are only a few players right now who are playing a better level of tennis than I am, if not the same.”
I have a fighting chance. Not many players can say that right now, going in to play Medvedev at the US Open.
Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios, who topped Medvedev 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-2 in Montreal in early August, knows it will be a big challenge who has won 23 of 27 matches at the US Open, and been to the final in two of the last three years. But he believes his chances are as good as they can be.
“There’s no shame in losing to a player like that,” he said. “But I definitely feel like the way I’m playing, the game plan and the success I had against him obviously in Montreal.
“I definitely feel like I have a fighting chance. Not many players can say that right now, going in to play Medvedev at the US Open. Like, they’re going to go out there, but I don’t think they’re down the other end of the court knowing they’re going to win. I feel like I’m definitely one of the players that has a chance. With the way I’m playing right now, I have a chance.”
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