Kyrgios: “I’m Trying To Get Better”

Nick Kyrgios came up short against Grigor Dimitrov after four thrilling sets in their fourth-round encounter at the Australian Open on Sunday. But the Aussie already has his sights set on challenging the ATP World Tour’s best for the rest of the season.

Kyrgios, who was looking to follow up his title at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp with a strong showing in Melbourne this fortnight, was quelled by an inspired performance by No.3 seed Dimitrov under the lights on Rod Laver Arena. For the 22-year-old Australian, it comes time once again to reckon with himself.

 Down? Yes. Out? Think again.

“I lost tonight to one of the best players in the world,” said Kyrgios. “[I] went down swinging. Obviously, I feel a lot better this time around. Last year I really didn’t know what I was going to do after the Australian Open last year. I feel like I have more of a vision and goal for this year. I think I’m in a good headspace.

“I just feel like I’m trying to get better. There [were] periods where I stepped on the court last year where I was just doing it for the sake of doing it,” he added. “In the offseason I didn’t really have a coach but I was working on two things that I thought I needed to work on, [which were] my volleys and transitioning and my forehand return…. I think it paid off. I’m trying to get better.”

It’s no secret that Kyrgios has, at times, struggled to maintain conviction – both in his matches and throughout a season. But in 2018, the four-time ATP World Tour titlist has demonstrated the type of renewed motivation that could see him contend for the tour’s most prestigious prizes, including a spot at the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in London. 

“I just had a massive month,” reconciled Kyrgios after the match. “I was feeling a little tight at some stages in the match and the adrenaline kicked in. I’m pretty happy with my Aussie summer. I thought I played well tonight.” 

Moving forward into February, the Australian is slated to compete for his country in Davis Cup before heading to the ATP World Tour 500 event in Rotterdam, which will provide him with the chance to claim one of his biggest titles as well as the opportunity to test the newfound resolve instilled in his game. 

“I still feel confident after losing that match,” said Kyrgios. “You know, all eyes are on Davis Cup for me now in a week and a half, or couple weeks. I’m just going to rest for a couple days and slowly get back into hitting, hitting a couple of balls and just being with the team and that’s it.”

That’s it. After all, he just wants to get better.