‘I don’t want to be like Federer’ – Nick Kyrgios wants to be ‘remembered as an icon’ in his own right
Nick Kyrgios does not want to be remembered only as a tennis player, emphasising that he is not motivated by Slam success the way players like Roger Federer are.
The Australian talent has long been the subject of much debate among those within tennis for his natural talent, huge potential and on court showmanship and antics to name just a few aspects of his character.
Throughout much of that time and particularly recently, Kyrgios has remained firm in his belief that his achievements within the sport do not define him as an individual.
“I have always been myself,” he told 7.30 on ABC.
“To be honest, I look at myself in the mirror every day and I know I’m comfortable in my own skin.
“It took a long time to look myself in the mirror and think, ‘I don’t really care if I win a Grand Slam. I don’t want to be like Roger Federer.’
“I don’t care how I’m perceived because the people around me know I’m a caring person.
“I’m always myself.
“I’m confident and I try and help people.”
Off the court, the 26-year-old has done much charitable work through his NK Foundation, as well as advocating on the world stage, his fundraising in aid of victims of Australian wildfires in 2020 being a prime example.
Kyrgios was at his crowd-hyping best at this year’s Australian Open, going on an unlikely run with friend Thanasi Kokkinakis in the men’s doubles, eventually winning the event to claim the title of doubles Major champion.
He added on his theatrical demeanour: “I’ve always been like this since I was a young kid.
“I have always been emotional and theatrical at times on the court.
“I’m comfortable in my own skin.
“I want to be remembered as more than just someone who played [tennis].
“I want to be remembered as an icon, someone who just went out there and did it their own way.
“You have got Nadals and Djokovics and Federers.
“I want kids to be like, ‘If that guy can do it then maybe we can do it as well.”
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