Nick Kyrgios keen to ‘resurface’ during grass season after mental health struggles

Nick Kyrgios says he sees now as the time to ‘resurface’ following his self-imposed exile from tennis.

Kyrgios is a very popular player with fans due to his passionately unpredictable nature on court and sheer talent, but he has not played much at all over the last two years.

Much of that has been down to the Covid-19 pandemic, but a battle with mental health challenges has also played a major role. He played the Australian Open, where he won a men’s doubles title, before disappearing from Tour again for the European clay court season.

Speaking to the Spanish media ahead of his appearance at the Mallorca Open later this month, though, Kyrgios says that returning for grass season was always his plan.

Asked why he skipped the clay season, Kyrgios told Ultima Hora: “It’s a year to resurface.

“I started the season well and saw that I didn’t need to play every tournament to improve.

“Also, I tried to prepare myself as well as possible for grass tournaments and I wanted to be home again.

“Grass is a completely different surface than any other. Everyone needs to adjust, even the best players, but not everyone can get it the way they want.

“I’ve had a good start and I hope it continues and I can play more games in the coming weeks.”

Nick Kyrgios has been scheduled to play Mallorca before and it has not happened, but he is looking forward to finally making his debut at the event.

“I really want to play in the Mallorca Championships and on its grass courts,” he said. “I have heard great things about the club, the tournament and Mallorca.

“For this reason, I want to offer my best tennis and that many fans come to watch our matches. May you enjoy a tournament throughout the week that will be very attractive.

“As always, I’m going there to win. I want to entertain people, so that they come to see the matches and the tournament and enjoy with us. I want to have a good time.”

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