Nick Kyrgios heaped praise on his team for their role in helping him turn around his tennis career as the Aussie star basks in the glory of dumping World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev out of the US Open.
Kyrgios upset Medvedev 7-6 (13-11), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to book a spot in the quarter-final as he continues his best run at Flushing Meadows.
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The 27-year-old has been in career-best form this season, so much so that he has won the most matches of any player on the ATP Tour since the French Open.
When quizzed about the moment everything clicked for him, Kyrgios admitted he was unsure but knows the backing of his team is a crucial part of it.
“I’m still trying to figure it out, honestly,” Kyrgios said in his post-match interview.
“I’m just trying to work hard every day, make every practice session count.
“Getting to sleep, I would probably be out every night before. Now, I’ve got a great girlfriend, she helps me. I’ve got my physio with me. It’s all my team. I’m just really happy and hopefully I can keep it going. I’m just working really hard.”
That answer may come as a surprise given Kyrgios’ regular outbursts at those in his box throughout matches.
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But it all comes from a place of love and simply wanting to repay their faith in the mercurial Canberran.
“I just don’t want to let them down,” Kyrgios said.
“We’ve been on the road for four months. We’ve all got families that we want to see and I want to make it count.
This is the last trip before I head back to Australia so I want to go all the way, hopefully it’s possible.”
A quarter-final date with No. 27 seed Karen Khachanov awaits after the Russian beat Pablo Carreno Busta in a gruelling five-set battle.
Kyrgios knows he’s in for a fight against Khachanov, but knowing he’s capable of a deep run at a Grand Slam has the Aussie primed for another crack at a grand slam title.
There’s just one thing he must get done first.
“I take it one match at a time,” Kyrgios said.
“Obviously that belief came from Wimbledon. Not winning that final was a hard pill to swallow.
“Khachanov’s a great player, he’s a great fighter. We’ve had some absolute battles.
“But I’m not thinking about that. I’ve got some doubles with the beautiful Thanasi Kokkinakis so I’m excited to get out there.”
