Kyrgios: ‘I Need To Be More Disciplined’

The potential of Nick Kyrgios has long been undeniable. After defeating three Top 10 players and a three-time Grand Slam champion in Stan Wawrinka to win the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, it’s even more apparent Kyrgios has the game to crack the Top 10 — and beyond — of the ATP Rankings.

But does the Aussie see himself as a Top 10 player?

“I went jet skiing at 5:30 p.m. (before playing Alexander Zverev in the final), so I don’t think that’s what a Top 10 player would do,” said Kyrgios.

Although his pre-match preparation wasn’t conventional, clinching the title in Acapulco appeared to spark a shift in thinking. If he can beat two Top 3 players in the same week, while going jet skiing hours before a championship match, what could he do if he fully applied himself?

“I’m very lucky to be in this position. I need to be way more disciplined, way better professionally and do the right things,” said Kyrgios. “I don’t even have a coach, so maybe I start there.”

Even before his latest realisation, Kyrgios’ mental shift throughout the week wasn’t lost on fans in Acapulco. At times, they weren’t shy to voice their displeasure. But in Saturday’s final against Zverev, the Centre Court crowd chanted his name and loudly applauded his eye-raising winners.

It was an experience that Kyrgios won’t forget anytime soon.

“The crowd created the atmosphere every day. It was the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in. They were booing me and I still enjoyed playing and being here,” said Kyrgios. “They created the emotions, the memories, the event. It was amazing.”

Kyrgios feeds off the energy around him more than most players and his success in Acapulco will only create positive vibes as he heads to the BNP Paribas Open. With minimal ATP Rankings points to defend for the next three months, he’s in a prime position to continue his feel-good comeback of 2019.

“It’s hopefully an example for people who are struggling and getting in some places you don’t think you can get out of. If I can do it, you can do it,” said Kyrgios. “I was really down and out and didn’t know what I was going to do, but you have a week like this and things can change.”