Nick Kyrgios is focused on improving his mental health after winning Canberra male athlete of the year on Friday.
The 23 year old Australian is finally looking to improve his mental health after a rough 2018 season. It seems that seeing two psychologists may have helped Kyrgios as he has since revealed that he now knows what works for him, “I just feel like I’ve found out what works for me,” Kyrgios is quoted by the Brisbane Times as saying.
“Long schedules away from home, playing unnecessary events and focusing on things that don’t matter to me personally is what drained me this year. I was in some dark places this year, that’s for sure. When I was on the road, I was in some very dark places.”
After a rough year, the Australian wants to also focus on other positive things such as his foundation as that is what gets his mind to relax, “I know I’ve got to keep my schedule lighter, play the events I want to play and just put my focus on the [NK Foundation],” Kyrgios explained.
“When I think that I only get good vibes. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about and if I can make a difference, then great.”
It seems as his work off the court has gone unnoticed as he was awarded Canberra male athlete of the year in a ceremony in his hometown on Friday evening.
The world number 35 described the event as humbling and felt honoured to be nominated, “Just to be nominated with all the great athletes Canberra has, and to just be a part of a night like this, is great. Every athlete in the room deserves an award,” Kyrgios explained.
“To be recognised for hard work this year, I think I’ve done more off the court and it’s probably been a busier year for me, so it’s pretty special to be here and be nominated.”
After receiving his well-earned award he now turns his attention to being happier and continuing to make a difference in his community, “I’m seeing psychologists now trying to get my mental health right, but I just think as a person I’ve grown. Having my foundation underway now is pretty special and I’m really going to shift a lot of my focus on to that.”
“I had to sit down and think about what made me happy and seeing kids that don’t have opportunities to play sport, and giving them the opportunity to do that, that was where I found I was at my most happiest.”
It is clear that Kyrgios is now focusing on his mental health and making a huge difference to so many people’s lives which anyone can’t deny is a fantastic gesture.
But now people want to see Kyrgios’ potential on the court as everyone knows he is capable of becoming a grand slam champion. The Australian hasn’t played since Moscow and will start his season in Brisbane, where he is the defending champion.
It is unlikely that he will be seeded for his home grand slam in 2019, which means a tough start to the season looks set for a ‘happier’ Nick Kyrgios.