“A flip of the coin of what Kyrgios comes and shows up in Cincinnati” – Calm Kyrgios hoping for best preparation for US Open

After another win – this time in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters, Kyrgios spoke about his new-found calmness on the tennis courts

Nick Kyrgios at the 2022 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati

Nick Kyrgios at the 2022 Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

August 17, 2022

For the better part of the past few years, Nick Kyrgios had made more headlines for his on-court behaviour rather than his performances. That script has flipped for much of the season.

Calmer and more focused, Kyrgios has been playing the best tennis of his career this year, reaching the Wimbledon singles final, winning the Australian Open doubles title and winning an ATP singles title.

Kyrgios, who has now won 14 of his last 15 singles and doubles matches combined, is still aware that his behaviour could flip over to the other side any time but remains focused on giving himself the best preparation possible for the US Open, which begins on August 29.

Pure. Tennis. Entertainment. 🍿@NickKyrgios @alexdavidovich1 #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/0gqvDnYz7g
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 16, 2022

“Cincy is quiet and it’s a very chill place. I have played some amazing tennis here in my career, and I have also had some crazy outbursts, as well. It’s definitely a flip of the coin of what Kyrgios comes and shows up in Cincinnati, but hopefully this time around it’s just a calm, collected — you know, I just want to have a good week before I continue on the good habits and just give myself all the best for preparation for US Open,” the Australian said.

I’m proud of that, that I’m able to play a match like today

Kyrgios further said that he is has worked hard to improve his behaviour on court and that is something that he is proud about.

“I definitely feel like it’s a part of me that if I went out on the court and I was so emotional on every point and cared too much, I think you’d definitely see me throw my racquet. You rarely see me throw my racquet anymore. You get the occasionally outburst, but no more than another player. I feel like that’s something I’ve worked on majorly, obviously on the court, because off the court I’m super relaxed. You never get outbursts. I’m quite chilled out. On the court, it’s taken a lot of work to get to a point where it’s like, This guy, you can clearly tell he’s been working on things, he’s his own personality, but he’s kind of walking a fine line at times but he’s worked on it. I’m proud of that, that I’m able to play a match like today. There were a couple of outbursts here and there, but it’s a kind of maintained mindset.”

Gotta keep going. Only two events left – Kyrgios

On Tuesday, the Australian defeated Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets to advance to the second round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati where he will face American Taylor Fritz.

Kyrgios, who is now back inside the world’s top 30, said he is feeling confident about his game and is looking forward to playing the US Open and then returning home after a long time on the road.

“(I am) feeling good obviously confidence-wise on the court. Feel like I’m striking the ball pretty well. I’m just obviously getting to the finish line of my trip. I can feel like it’s nearly over. I’ve got US Open after this and then back home. That’s kind of in the back of my mind. Just been giving everything every day on the practice court, match court. Definitely can feel my tank getting to the end, and I have just gotta keep going, gotta keep going. Only two events left.”