Nick Kyrgios ready for an ’emotional rollercoaster’ as he prepares to take on best mate at the US Open – but admits flying home is ‘all he can think about’
- Kyrgios is taking on close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of US Open
- The star Aussie said he is prepared for the ’emotional rollercoaster’ it will bring
- He has also revealed ‘all he can think about’ is flying home to sick mother
It was probably the worst US Open draw Nick Kyrgios could’ve received – taking on his best mate Thanasi Kokkinakis in round one – but the Aussie star said he is prepared for the ’emotional rollercoaster’ the tournament will bring.
Kyrgios, who is in the form of his life this season after an Australian Open doubles win with Kokkinakis, Wimbledon final and ATP title win, said he was ‘super motivated’ to finish off his golden run with US Open victory.
Given anti-vax star Novak Djokovic will miss the tournament due to US health regulations, Kyrgios is certainly not without a chance to break-through for a first singles Grand Slam win.
Nick Kyrgios, pictured at pre-tournament speaking engagement, says he is prepared for the ’emotional rollercoaster’ of the US Open
It was entertainment central as the Thanasi Kokkinakis (left)/Nick Kyrgios duo took the Australian Open by storm in January
But before he can even dream about the final, he’ll have to get through Kokkanakis in the first round; something Kyrgios is looking forward to.
‘It’s going to be an experience … an emotional rollercoaster … for us to go out there and play on Arthur Ashe Stadium together is something that’s pretty special,’ he said at a recent speaking event alongside other US Open hopefuls.
‘It’s going to be a lot of fun. Either way, it’s something that I’m glad I get to share with him.’
An animated Nick Kyrgios practices at Flushing Meadows ahead of the US Open
It won’t be smooth sailing if he can get passed Kokkinakis, either.
Given the ATP didn’t award ranking points for Wimbledon, after the tournament banned Russian players, Kyrgios is sitting far lower than the top-15 ranking he should be in right now.
Still the fourth favourite to take home the title, match-ups against Daniil Medvedev, Roberto Bautista-Agut and Ugo Humbert all potentially await the Aussie – incredibly within the first four rounds.
Thanasi Kokkinakis (left) and Nick Kyrgios (right) were all smiles after winning the Australian Open doubles title in January
Still, with his confidence sky-high, Kyrgrios was confident he could still give the $3.7million winners prize a crack.
‘I’ve had a great season so far, obviously finals at Wimbledon, won the Australian Open earlier this year,’ he said at the speaking engagement, referring to his doubles victory with Kokkinakis.
‘I’m going to give it my best shot.’
Behind that confidence, unfortunately, is a tinge of pain and sadness.
Nick Kyrgios with his mother, Norlaila, who is suffering from failing kidneys
Kyrgios’ mother Norlaila has been ill with a variety of health complications, including failing kidneys.
The Canberran is very close with his family – including brother Christos, sister Halimah and father Giorgos – and has previously revealed he didn’t know how long he had left in tennis as he grappled with the desire to spend more time with them.
Kyrgios pulled out of the prestigious Laver Cup tournament, which was set to tack place after the US Open, citing a desire to spend time with friends, family and partner Costeen Hatzi.
Nick Kyrgios and partner Costeen Hatzi attend a tennis event on August 25 in New York
Those thoughts are still front of mind for the Aussie, who admitted at the pre-tournament speaking engagement that flying home was ‘all I’m thinking about’.
‘I’m exhausted, that’s for sure. After Wimbledon and Washington and everything, I haven’t been able to go home and really enjoy it with my family, and just take a breath,’ said Kyrgios, of his recent hectic schedule.
‘I’m extremely exhausted so I know that this is my last kind of stop until I do get to go home, so I do have an eye on that.’
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