TENNIS AUSTRALIAN OPEN – 23rd of January 2015. N.Kyrgios d. M.Jaziri 6-3, 7-6, 6-1. An interview with Nick Kyrgios
Q. Did you feel there was a lot of improvement between the second and third round?
NICK KYRGIOS: Yeah, it was a completely different matchup. You know, Malek is pretty crafty from the back. Has a really good slice backhand. I knew I had to be patient. Karlovic is completely different. Not many rallies. Stop and start. Yeah, I was really happy with my performance today.
Q. What goes through your head when you saw the result with Roger?
NICK KYRGIOS: Yeah, I wasn’t like really surprised. I knew Seppi is capable of playing that sort of tennis, beat some of the top guys. I don’t think Roger played too bad at all. It was a tough match. Obviously I’d rather play Seppi than Federer, of course. But, you know, I know it’s going to be a really tough match in a couple days. I’m just going to do everything I can now to prepare. I played him once at US Open. That was a really, really tough match. I probably played the best tennis I played in my life. I need to be ready again.
Q. Are you expecting anything different from what he threw at you in New York?
NICK KYRGIOS: I served really well in New York. I have obviously got to be serving top notch to give myself a chance. In that match I was really solid from the back and I was playing aggressive. I think he knows what to expect. I know what’s coming, as well. I think it’s going to be a fun match.
Q. What is the state of the back?
NICK KYRGIOS: Obviously tightened up a little bit in the third set. I thought it was smart to get some treatment on it. Obviously I got a great team that’s managing that. It’s pulling up pretty well.
Q. You don’t think it impeded you during play?
NICK KYRGIOS: No. It definitely does affect me when I’m out there. I’m definitely not moving as well as I’d like to be. I’m obviously getting by, but I don’t think I’m moving 100% to my ability. That’s obviously what it’s hindering as well. Right now I’m happy with where it is. There was a couple weeks ago I wasn’t sure I’d be playing. I’m just happy where it’s at.
Q. You got a good team looking after that, but what are you actually doing?
NICK KYRGIOS: A lot of massage, physio. I got in the hot and cold showers today. Doing little things like that. Obviously getting rest. Gets better with rest. Getting good sleep. Just all the professional things.
Q. How painful is it? Is it painful when you go back home or just on court when you feel it?
NICK KYRGIOS: Yeah, it’s pretty painful. There’s worser things in the world. Sometimes I can feel it when I walk; when I sit down it’s there. But I’m not going to complain about it. I mean, I’m in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Let’s be happy right now.
Q. Was there a little part of you that was hoping it would be Roger in the fourth round?
NICK KYRGIOS: There was a little part of me. I was actually thinking a bit last night. I had a tough match last night. It’s hard not to think about playing possibly the greatest of all time. Everyone wants to play Roger. I can only dream about what Seppi is feeling right now to beat him in four sets on Rod Laver. That’s massive for him. But I get to play another great guy that’s been on tour for a long, long time.
