Nick Kyrgios reveals secret behind ‘incredible transformation’ after winning Citi Open
Nick Kyrgios admitted he has gone through a recent ‘incredible transformation’ after he won a Citi Open double.
Kyrgios has long been tennis’ biggest enigma as one of the most naturally talented players, but also one of the most mentally unpredictable ones.
The mental challenges he faces have held him back before, but he has reached at least the semi-finals of five of his last six tournaments.
That has included a Wimbledon final, and it now includes an ATP singles title in Washington after he beat Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 6-3. He did not drop his serve once throughout the tournament, and he backed it up by winning the doubles title with Jack Sock too.
What, though, does the man himself make of his recent renaissance?
“It’s just very emotional for me, to see where I was at last year to now,” Kyrgios said. “It’s just an incredible transformation.
“But I just came out with great energy, I knew that I had experience on my side today. I love this court, I have played so many good matches so I’m really, really happy. Really happy with myself.
“I’ve been in some really dark places and been able to turn it around. There are so many people who have helped me get there, but myself, I’ve shown some serious strength to continue and persevere and get through all those times and be able to still perform and win tournaments like this one.”
One key figure in the Australian’s new mentality is girlfriend Costeen Hatzi, who appears able to ground him.
🇦🇺🎾 Not only did Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios win the singles at the Washington Open, but he added the doubles as well with America’s Jack Sock. 🏆🏆
He took a moment to reflect on how he’s been going of late. 💚💛
Read more: 👉 https://t.co/i9ZhKYFZHv pic.twitter.com/YQ77Avq2ze
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) August 8, 2022
That is certainly an influence in his life that Nick Kyrgios is appreciating too.
“Honestly, I feel as if I’m a lot older, a lot more mature, and I feel like when 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.
“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.”
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