After reaching the final last year, Nick Kyrgios returns to Wimbledon 2023 with the hope that he can get a win, despite realizing that the circumstances are not the same. The Australian arrives battered and after months of rehabilitation after undergoing surgery.
Back to Wimbledon
“It’s the best tournament in the world. I’ve worked really hard to be able to prepare and try to play. I still think there are some question marks of course. The fact that it’s 5 sets makes it completely different. Last year I had the best possible preparation. It’s not the same this year.
I will not question the work of the past six months to keep my body in shape and get back on track. I’ve trained with very good players this week and my body feels great. I will not set unfair expectations. I will do everything I can to play good tennis.” Nick Kyrgios At Media Day in Wimbledon 2023.
How hard is it to live everything from a distance?
“I keep the positivity going. I’ve been able to spend extra time at home, which is something I’ve never had before. For the last eight years of my life, I’ve barely been home. It’s also been heartbreaking. Last year I felt like everything came true, and I’m competing.” On the Grand Slam tournaments, the Wimbledon final. I barely lost a game. I had the third best season on the circuit. My body was clearly crying out for a break. It was tough.”
Kyrgios is realistic in his current state
“I don’t forget last year. What happens with tennis is that the circuit is so active, there are tournaments week after week. You don’t have time to think about what you did. Now I have time to see everything I did. I wanted to go for more. It was pulling out of the Australian Open One of the hardest things I’ve had to do. I felt like I could win the championship. Obviously since then I had to have surgery.
It was brutal because everyone expects me to be the same player right away. this is very difficult. I lost in Stuttgart and the ratings were huge. My first game back. It’s hard to be the same player you were right away. However, I expect the same tennis as I played last year, but I don’t think it’s fair now.”
Focus on day to day
“I have a lot of confidence. I’ve never been a player who needs a lot of matches to play in the Grand Slams. What I’ve achieved in my career will continue there. Not as long as last year. I’m still serving as well as ever. I’m still able to beat a lot Of the people on the track. I have to go day by day. I have David Goffin in the first round, and that’s what I’m going to focus on.
Have you followed tennis these months?
“I haven’t watched a lot of tennis, there are a couple of players I like to watch. If they’re playing, I’ll look at the signs, like Tiafoe or Thanasi. Obviously, the Grand Slam finals. I’ve watched a lot of the Australian Open. Seeing what Alcaraz has been able to do in the tournament is like “This short time is crazy. He has so much discipline and just loves sports. It’s fun to watch. He loves to get the crowd involved chanting his name. But honestly, I don’t miss sports at all. I was dreading going back, but it’s my job.”
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