After the defeat against Hubert Hurkacz in Montreal, of pure exhaustion, Nick Kyrgios does not make any particular changes to the script against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Cincinnati. He continues the ride of Australian talent, a completely new player, and much more aware of his potential, from the final to the Championships.
Nick explained: “I’m playing a lot, but I’m more and more motivated. I see the finish line. After the US Open I will go home to be with my family and it is a constant thought of course. I’m tired, but I can’t help but look ahead and think game after game.”
He words to honey also for the opponent. “He has a very fun game and I’m sure he will have a really good career. He was very hot today so I’m very happy to have won against such a talented player, I’m satisfied.”
In Cincinnati indelible memories, of course, but the chance to avoid ‘drama’ is finally more important: “I have strange memories here, almost as if I were tossing a coin and never knowing which version of Kyrgios is on the court. This week I just hope things are quiet: I want to enjoy the tournament and win as many games as possible. I have good feelings and I want to be 100% at the US Open.”
Nick Kyrgios: “Not having a coach works”
The presence of a coach is still not necessary for the Australian talent, who has obviously developed a manic routine: “I study my opponents by myself and I think I am quite good.
I’ve always watched a lot of matches, even when I was little, so I can easily capture my opponents’ weaknesses and strengths. I also know my style of play and I know what is most functional for me.
For example, if with players like De Minaur, Medvedev or Fokina I extend the number of exchanges too much, I risk winning fewer points. Against these opponents I have to go to the net more and be more aggressive, I am perfectly aware of that. Not having a coach has always worked for me.”
Awareness, we said, fundamentaler for Kyrgios: “I have been too emotional a player all my life. My mother saw me grow up like this. I have never accepted a defeat without then blaming myself. Being like this is part of me, but for example at this moment I get less angry on the pitch and this makes the difference for me.”