Nick Kyrgios declares himself ‘a completely different person’ after Indian Wells demolition job
Nick Kyrgios demolished Sebastian Baez in his Indian Wells opener before declaring himself a ‘completely different person’.
Kyrgios has long been one of the most controversial players on the ATP Tour, but he is also one of the biggest draws, particularly for casual tennis fans.
He looked irresistible in his 6-4, 6-0 win over Baez on Thursday, which was his first match since winning the Australian Open doubles.
Whenever Kyrgios plays, some spectators are often waiting for his fiery temper to get the best of him, but he insists those days are now behind him.
“I’m just excited to be back at this tournament,” Kyrgios said.
“It has been a couple years because of the (coronavirus) pandemic and taking time off to get my mind and body right.
“My body feels as good as it has ever felt. I feel like I’m moving and playing really well. It’s good to be back.
“The tennis world wanted me to be a certain player, and I was trying to be something that I wasn’t for so many years. It put me in a dark place. I was letting people down, I fell out with my family. It was tough.
Too strong tonight ♨️
In just his 3rd match of the year, @NickKyrgios powers past Baez 6-4 6-0 on a windy night in the desert!#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/mp8BCBfDXG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 11, 2022
“One day I looked in the mirror and said that this isn’t the type of person that I’m trying to be. And now I’m a completely different person.
“I’m comfortable in my own skin, I’m not trying to please anyone. I’m not trying to be anyone else.
“I’m Nick Kyrgios and I just go out there and play and have fun and if I win, I win and if I lose, I lose. Life is good.”
Nick Kyrgios will face Federico Delbonis in the second round at Indian Wells on Saturday.
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