Kyrgios “in the best place” he has have been heading into Davis Cup quarterfinals
Rising star Nick Kyrgios is “in the best place” of his life, according to what he said during Tuesday’s press conference heading into this week’s Davis Cup quarterfinal tie between Australia and the United States. Kyrgios is coming off respective quarterfinal and semifinal performances at the recent Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami.
“I think my level’s always been there, but I think where I’m at mentally at the moment…I’m just competing for every point,” the 21-year-old explained. “I’m playing hard. I haven’t really had that mindset before, so I’m probably in the best place I’ve ever been.”
It would be hard to disagree. Kyrgios is playing arguably the best–and without question the most consistent–tennis of his career. Australia’s top player is 14-4 this year, including 7-1 in his last eight matches dating back to the start of Indian Wells. After before being forced to withdraw prior to a scheduled quarterfinal clash against Roger Federer in the California desert due to illness, Kyrgios got his shot at the 18-time major champion. It was a showdown that won’t soon be forgotten, as Federer prevailed 7-6(9), 6-7(9), 7-6(5) after three hours and 11 minutes in a semifinal thriller that propelled the Swiss to the title.
“I’m feeling good,” Kyrgios commented. “As soon as I lost [in Miami], all my focus came to Davis Cup. We’ve been looking forward to it, I’ve been looking forward to it since the last tie; we’ve all been looking forward to it. I feel like I’m playing well. I feel like I’ve got a really good opportunity now to battle against (the) U.S.A. It’s going to be a great tie. I’m really looking forward to being here.”
His impressive season includes a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 Davis Cup rout of Jan Satral as Australia rolled over the visiting Czech Republic 3-0 during first-round action in early February.
“I think the last Davis Cup tie helped me a lot,” Kyrgios explained. “Ever since then I’ve been in a good mental space. I’ve been wanting to play; [my teammates] have all been supporting me. It’s good to know these guys have my back, and I think that’s just the chemistry and having the support that they give.… Being with these guys again, they only lift me up. Hopefully we can come together as a team like we always do and get the result we want this weekend.”
“Nick’s played a lot of matches, so it’s about just keeping that momentum and rhythm now,” Aussie Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt said. “And he’s hitting the ball really well. We feel comfortable where he’s at, and the other boys have hardly put a foot wrong since we’ve got here.”
Kyrgios was not there when the the Australians lost to the United States during 2016’s first round–also played in Australia. The Americans took advantage of Bernard Tomic and Sam Groth in singles and the Bryan Brothers also scored a five-set doubles victory over Hewitt and John Peers as the visitors prevailed 3-1.
Team U.S.A. knows things will be different this time around–regardless of the overall outcome.
“I think last year was different,” John Isner said. “Different team for us, different team for them, as well, on a different surface. I think this tie is brand new.”
“[Nick] is a very good player,” Jack Sock assured. “He’s having a good year and played well the last couple weeks. Obviously last week (he) had a great match with Roger in the semis. If he’s on, he’s a very tough player to play. I think the skill and talent has always been there; I think everyone knows that. Mentally, I think he’s doing a lot better job on court. It seems like he’s letting things go a little bit better, but like I said, he’s always had the skill tennis-wise. Mentally, if he’s on that day and into it, he’s tough.”
Topics: 10sballs.com, 2017 Davis Cup, Australia, Davis Cup tennis, Nick Kyrgios, Ricky Dimon, Tennis News, United States