Nick Kyrgios: 'I want to be remembered as an icon'
Nick Kyrgios has spoken on Australian television about his goals on and off the tennis court. In any case, the Australian does not want to be remembered for his tennis alone.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Feb 11, 2022, 07:53 am
Nick Kyrgios has many faces. That of the brilliant tennis player, the trickster and the man with the very fine blade. Or that of the bad boy, who smashes rackets, gives away points and scolds opponents, referees or the audience. And of course that of the really great entertainer, the player who manages to captivate viewers in front of the TV sets like no other.
Nick Kyrgios showed all these faces at the Australian Open. At the tournament in which the 26-year-old failed early in singles, but caused the big sensation of the tournament in doubles. And was able to win the Grand Slam title alongside buddy Thanasi Kokkinakis. "I would say that we probably created the best atmosphere this tournament has ever seen," says Kyrgios today about the title run a few days ago.
Kyrgios is comfortable in his own skin
The Australian doesn't want to know much about all the controversy and criticism of his behavior on the court. In any case, he himself is at peace with himself: "To be honest, I look at myself in the mirror every day and I know that I feel good in my own skin." That was not always so. "It took me a long time to look in the mirror and think: 'I don't really care if I win a Grand Slam. I don't want to be like Roger Federer.'"
Accordingly, today he attaches little importance to the opinion that others have of him: "I don't care how I'm perceived, because the people around me know that I'm a caring person. I'm always myself. I am confident and trying to help others," explains Kyrgios. "I've always been like this since I was a little kid. I've always been emotional and theatrical on the pitch."
Kyrgios as a contrast to Big Three
Kyrgios wants to score points with this authenticity. And leave an impression. "I want to be remembered as an icon - someone who just went out and did it my own way," the Australian was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. He not only wants to be remembered for his performances on the court, but also off the tennis courts.
The 26-year-old sees himself as an antithesis to the "Big Three" - Nadal, Federer and Djokovic: "There is Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. I want the children to think: 'If the guy can do it, then we can maybe that too'," says Kyrgios, who is certain: "I'm more than a tennis player." Because Nick Kyrgios has many faces.