Nick Kyrgios isn’t getting tired of success, but finds success can be tiring.
The 27-year-old Australian is coming off the most successful season of his career, where he reached the final of Wimbledon, won the ATP 500 Citi Open in Washington, D.C., and compiled a 37-10 singles record. That came alongside some big doubles accomplishments, including a title victory at the Australian Open.
Though noting “winning makes everything easier,” Kyrgios has also found it a tough season .
“I’m exhausted honestly,” he told Eurosport while competing at the World Tennis League exhibition in Dubai this week. “Just stressful. The more you win, the more success you have, the more demands you have off the court. People expect more from you. It’s been a stressful year, that’s for sure.”
That’s also why he’s not eager for the attention and pressure he’s likely to receive at the Australian Open, where he will be considered a title contender for perhaps the first time in his career. The home crowds will be looking for an Aussie to repeat Ash Barty’s title success and seeking their first men’s champ since Mark Edmondson’s victory in 1976.
“I’m kind of gearing for an exhausting couple of weeks to be honest. But I’ve just got to internalize it and just think to myself it’s just another tournament. Obviously it’s a lot more than just a tournament for a lot of other people around me,” said Kyrgios.
“For me, I’m the one playing, so I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself.
“I’ve got about three weeks from now until then to just get my body right, get my game right and feel good about it.
“There is a little bit of excitement but it’s probably 95% stress, 5% excitement to be honest.”
Kyrgios is also entered in the Aussie Open doubles.