Australia’s Nick Kyrgios has proclaimed that the Citi Open is ‘one of the best tournament weeks of his life’ after reaching the final in dramatic fashion.
The World No.52 required more than two hours to knock out top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7), in Washington during what was a roller coaster encounter. In a match of fine margins, there was little to distinguish between the two. In fact they both won 91 points in the match, as well as 83% of their first serves and 48% of their second. In the deciding tiebreaker, Kyrgios had to save a match point before prevailing. Not that the figures mean anything to Kyrgios, who describes himself as an ‘anti-stats guy.’
“This week has been awesome. It’s probably one of the best tournament weeks of my life. I’ve really enjoyed myself. D.C. has been a lot of fun.Crowds have been awesome.” The 24-year-old said during his press conference.
“I’m just doing the right things. I’m having the same routine every day. I’m trying to improve on a lot of little habits, and it’s paying off. Five days in a row competing, I’m pretty happy with myself.”
In what was a typical Kyrgios match, drama was inevitable. Leading the semi-final with a set and a break advantage, Tsitsipas broke back. Triggering the start of a decline in Kyrgios’ on-court mood as some members of the crowd started to turn against him. At one point he was heard saying ‘Why should I try. If you’re not going to respect me, why should I try for you? It’s very simple.’ The former top 20 player also received code violations. Something that he is more than familiar with.
Despite the blip, Kyrgios regained control of his focus and continued to battle hard on the court. Hitting a series of impressive shots such as tweeners that other players wouldn’t even consider doing in their matches.
“It was spiraling out of control at one point. I’ve been in that position a lot, and it’s gone even worse. I’ve been defaulted before. I haven’t competed in the third set. So I’m pretty happy with myself the way I tried to drag it back from a dark place and managed to hold on the first couple service games in the third set and just competed. I just left it all out there and gave myself a chance to win the match, and honestly, it could have gone either way.”
During the decider, the two-time grand slam quarter-finalist was praised for his sportsmanship. Tsitsipas’ shoe laces had broken and he didn’t have a replacement pair ready. Noticing what happened, Kyrgios jumped into action by jogging to the Greek’s camp in the crowd and picking up a spare pair of shoes to have to his compatriot. It isn’t the first time this week Tsitsipas has experienced a shoe malfunction and even Kyrgios had a jibe at the shoe brand by saying “Adidas sucks.”
“Nick in my opinion is underrated and I guess the rivalry between me and him looks bright, and I’m pretty sure we’re going to face each other plenty of times in the future.” Said Tsitsipas, who will break into the world’s top five on Monday.
https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1157810871567077376
Closing the match out, Kyrgios closed proceedings with the help of one fan for the second match in a row. Leading 8-7 in the final tiebreak, he approached one member of the crowd and asked where should he serve. Following their advice, Kyrgios served out wide before producing a forehand winner to seal victory.
The former top 20 player has been accused throughout his career of not making enough of an effort during his career. Something he openly admits to. However, Kyrgios believes he is a player who many can relate to on some level.
“I was a very overweight kid. Got told by coaches, teachers that I wasn’t going to be very good at what I chose to do, which was tennis, and I think people can just relate to people telling you you can’t do anything, and I feel like I’m proving a lot of people wrong.” He said.
“I’ve beaten every single one of the best tennis players in the world doing it my way, and I’m never going to stop doing that, and I think people can draw inspiration from that.’
“I think you don’t listen to anyone, you just back yourself and believe in yourself, and that’s all that matters.”
Booking a place in his ninth ATP Final, Kyrgios will take on Russia’s Daniil Medvedev. Who defeated Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk in straight sets. He has already beaten the Russian on the tour this season. Doing so in three sets at the Italian Open in May.
The Citi Open final will take place on Sunday.
