Kyrgios: 'I'm Able To Light It Up Whenever I Want'

Before beginning his grass-court season, Nick Kyrgios returned to Australia for two months to recharge and spend time with his loved ones. The 27-year-old has wasted no time finding his form since returning to the Tour.

The Australian reached the semi-finals in Stuttgart and Halle to put himself in good position leading into Wimbledon.

“I’ve played a lot of matches. Had some great results. Beaten some really good players. I’m just happy where my level’s at,” Kyrgios said. “I think I’ve had probably some of the best preparation I’ve had for a while on the grass. Load-wise I’m happy with the amount of tennis I played.”

Kyrgios admitted that it is “hard to find the balance between spending time with your family, friends, having that kind of normal lifestyle”. That is why he returned home, so that when he did return to court, he would be ready to go and play his best.

“I know where my game’s at. I know if I’m feeling confident, I’m playing well, I’m able to just light it up kind of whenever I want. But I’ve just got to pick and choose. I don’t play that often,” Kyrgios said. “When I play now, I’ve got to make sure I’m having some good results, putting my best effort… I’m proud to be where I’m at at the moment.”

The Championships has been a special tournament for Kyrgios. It is where in 2014, on his debut as a 19-year-old, he stunned Rafael Nadal en route to the quarter-finals. This year, he will begin his run against Briton Paul Jubb.

“Super excited. Obviously been playing some really good tennis on the grass. Feeling good. Mentally feeling ready. Just excited to be here,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously another Grand Slam. Never going to take it for granted. When I was young, never thought I’d play almost 30-plus Grand Slams. Super proud to be here again. It’s a special energy here, of course.”

It is no secret that Kyrgios thrives on the sport’s biggest stages and is never shy about testing his game against anyone else’s on the ATP Tour. But what will it take to make a deep run at the season’s third major?

“Good sleep, good rest. I think that’s one. Make sure your body’s in good nick. For me, I just know if I’m serving well and I’m playing well, I can beat anyone. I have pretty much beaten everyone in the draw before,” Kyrgios said. “It’s hard. It’s like not many people have gotten over the hump of winning a Slam. I’m one of the people that has to deal with that every week. Like, ‘Oh, he’s probably one of the biggest wastes of talent. He should be winning a Slam.’

“Not many people have actually gotten over that hump in singles. It’s obviously something I want to get over, and hopefully one day.”

According to Kyrgios, another key for him will be to focus on bringing his best in the earlier rounds of the tournament. He has not claimed a straight-sets victory in the first round at Wimbledon since 2015.

“I need to focus on the earlier rounds, make sure I get it done as quick as possible,” Kyrgios said. “I’m not even thinking about winning it or anything at the moment. I got another couple days to just practice and feel good, then we’ll see what happens.”

No matter what his results, it is safe to say Kyrgios will bring it for the crowd with his entertaining brand of tennis, from blazing winners to underarm serves and everything in between.

“I think pretty much wherever I play, the crowd knows I’m going to try and bring a lot of energy, bring a lot of flair and entertainment. I think that’s just something I come with now,” Kyrgios said. “I can’t really get rid of that. It’s just something I want to do as well.”

Source Tennis – ATP World Tour