
Nick Kyrgios (zimbio.com)
After what was a difficult clay court season for Nick Kyrgios, the Australian believes he has returned back to his best ahead of his campaign on the grass.
In recent weeks the world No.20 has contended with a series of physical and personal issues. A hip injury and shoulder problem impacted on his progression in recent weeks and forced him to withdraw from the Italian Open. On top of that, Kyrgios has had to also cope with bereavement after his grandfather passed away in May.
Fortunately there is light at the end of the tunnel for the two-time grand slam quarterfinalist. He has now pledged that he is fully fit ahead of his Queen’s campaign and is ready to challenge the best in the world. The recovery has been attributed to a series of injections Kyrgios had in his joints following his French Open exit to Kevin Anderson.
“(I’m) in really good shape now, I got an injection into my hip and in my shoulder,” he told The Herald Sun.
“I’ve been doing a lot of rehabbing. Had a good week of rehab after the French. I’m able to move without any pain in my hip and it’s been a while since I’ve been like that.
The next test of Kyrgios’ current form will be American world No.50 Donald Young, his first round opponent at Queen’s. Following the withdrawal of Jack Sock, Kyrgios has edged his way into a seeded position at eighth in the draw.
“Coming on the grass kind of refreshes you a little bit, a whole new scene and I feel really good.”
‘Feels like home’
Throughout his career, Kyrgios has been open about his struggles with homesickness. Earlier this year he admitted that it was hard for him to ‘stay on the road’ due to the issue with tennis tournaments occurring all around the world.
“I know it’s a great opportunity to go and see new places. But I get homesick quite easily.” Kyrgios admitted.
“It’s not easy being away from your home, being away from your girlfriend. I just wanted to be with them.”
In London this year, he has the support of familiar faces. During the grass-court swing, he will stay in an apartment with his girlfriend, mother and agent. Unlike the clay, 22-year-old feel more at home on the grass. This is reflected in his record at the Wimbledon Championships. Currently Kyrgios has won more main draw matches (in singles) at SW19 than any other grand slam tournament. In 2014 he made headlines after defeating the then world No.1, Rafael Nadal, to reach the quarter-finals at the age of 19.
“The homesickness kicks in pretty much straight away when I’m in Europe for the clay, but when I’m in America or London it feels like home,” said Kyrgios.
“Coming onto the grass kind of refreshes you a little bit. I love the setting here.”
A way to go
Kyrgios has already illustrated his potential on the tour this year with back-to-back wins over Novak Djokovic and reaching the semifinals of the Miami Masters. Yet motivation continues to hamper him. In a recent interview with The Times, he said he ‘probably tanked eight tournaments’ out of the 18 he played. It was his fragile temperament that resulted in a temporary suspension from the tour last year.
Mentoring the world No.20 is ex-player Sebastian Grosjean. The two are making progress together, but his ongoing fight with his own mentality continues.
“Sebastien has been helping me a lot. At the same time there’s a lot to do. I wouldn’t say I’m there mentally yet.” Kyrgios explained.
“I’m not thinking about making the top five. I’m just trying to get through every day and put in as much effort as I can.
“When I start setting goals I can lose motivation and stop trying.”
Kyrgios will play his first round match against Young at Queen’s on Monday.