Nick Kyrgios Is Fired Up And Ready To Go - UBITENNIS

Nick Kyrgios Is Fired Up And Ready To Go

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Nick Kyrgios (zimbio.com)

After enduring a controversy-stricken 2016, Nick Kyrgios is finally blossoming into the impressive athlete that many on the tour have predicted in recent years.

Notching up back-to-back wins over Novak Djokovic, the 21-year-old has won 18 out of the 23 matches played so far this season. During the American hard-court swing in March, Kyrgios followed up on his run to the last eight at Indian Wells by reaching the semifinals in Miami for the first time in his career. He was denied a place in his first Masters 1000 final after being edged out in a thrilling three-set clash with Roger Federer.

Kyrgios is now in Brisbane preparing to play in the event which triggered a surge in his form – the Davis Cup. Disheartened by his early exit at the Australian Open in January, the world No.16 was contemplating taking a break from tennis. Instead, a phone call from Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt changed everything.

“Rusty (Hewitt’s nickname) called me up and then he really wanted me to come play Davis Cup. And that was the best thing I could have done, come back and be with the boys, and I found some enjoyment practicing again.” Kyrgios said earlier this year.

The surge has done wonders to Kyrgios as he bids to continue his high standards. Reflecting upon his recent performance, the Australian has stated that his mental game is at its best yet. It is for this reason why he is the headline act for his country’s upcoming Davis Cup clash. Australia faces a stern test against the United States, who has a team featuring four top-30 players.

“I think my level’s always been there but I think where I’m at mentally at the moment, I’m just competing for every point and playing hard and I haven’t really had that mindset before,” he told reporters in Brisbane.
“I’m feeling motivated and I want to get out there more. I want to compete and I want to play.
“I’m probably in the best place I’ve ever been in.”

Throughout his career, Kyrgios has thrived in a team environment. Outside of the Davis Cup, he is also a prominent feature in the annual International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). Still, like his entire career, things have been far from smooth. Last year Bernard Tomic accused Kyrgios of ‘faking’ his illness to get out of playing in the Davis Cup. It is an accusation that Kyrgios firmly denies.

“I prefer the team environment, I love being around these guys, I love training with them and I love being on the sidelines watching them compete,” explained Kyrgios.
“I love everything about this team event and Davis Cup. Just having their support every day, a couple messages waking up to or if I’m struggling. I know that the results I have in these tournaments can really help those guys in their tournaments. Everyone can see that I’m playing well and it lifts them up and helps them play well.”

Kyrgios’ resurgence is a blessing in disguise for Tennis Australia as uncertainty continues over Tomic’s current form. Asked if he had talked with Tomic in recent weeks concerning his current performance, Kyrgios replied with a blunt ‘no.’ The short reply has ignited speculation of another conflict in the fragile Kyrgios-Tomic relationship.

Australia will start their Davis Cup tie against America on Friday at The Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane.

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