Nick Kyrgios says that he is really enjoying the experience of being at The Championships this year, but insists he isn’t going to win a Grand Slam anytime soon.
“Not everyone can be a [Roger] Federer or [Novak] Djokovic,” said Kyrgios, following his 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-4 win over Gianluca Mager on Tuesday for a place in the Wimbledon third round. "[They] inspire millions of people. They're just gods. I see them as that."
“You have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch… I feel like I'm one of those people. Not everyone can be a Federer, a Djokovic or a [Rafael] Nadal.
“I'm Nick Kyrgios. I know who I am. I just don't put that much pressure on myself any more. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with not winning Grand Slams.”
The 26-year-old Australian beat Ugo Humbert 9-7 in the fifth set on No. 1 Court in the first round and is delighted to receive the support of fans at the All England Club.
“It's just been awesome,” said Kyrgios, who reached the quarter-finals (l. to Raonic) on his Wimbledon debut in 2014. “I feel like the public and the crowds have really embraced me and really enjoyed me being back. I feel like I've got a lot to offer for this tournament.
“I don't put as much pressure on myself any more. When I was younger, it was hard to deal with all the criticism that the media gave me, that everyone gave me. ‘He should be doing this’ [and] ‘He should be achieving this’ [and] ‘He's not doing this enough.’
“Now I just enjoy it when I'm out there. I breathe in the fresh air. I don't take anything for granted. I just feel like I'm comfortable… People love Wimbledon. I love Wimbledon. I love seeing the crowds.”
Kyrgios now plays Canadian 16th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who overcame Mikael Ymer of Sweden 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 in the final match on Wednesday.
“Not everyone can be a [Roger] Federer or [Novak] Djokovic,” said Kyrgios, following his 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-4 win over Gianluca Mager on Tuesday for a place in the Wimbledon third round. "[They] inspire millions of people. They're just gods. I see them as that."
“You have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch… I feel like I'm one of those people. Not everyone can be a Federer, a Djokovic or a [Rafael] Nadal.
“I'm Nick Kyrgios. I know who I am. I just don't put that much pressure on myself any more. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with not winning Grand Slams.”
The 26-year-old Australian beat Ugo Humbert 9-7 in the fifth set on No. 1 Court in the first round and is delighted to receive the support of fans at the All England Club.
“It's just been awesome,” said Kyrgios, who reached the quarter-finals (l. to Raonic) on his Wimbledon debut in 2014. “I feel like the public and the crowds have really embraced me and really enjoyed me being back. I feel like I've got a lot to offer for this tournament.
“I don't put as much pressure on myself any more. When I was younger, it was hard to deal with all the criticism that the media gave me, that everyone gave me. ‘He should be doing this’ [and] ‘He should be achieving this’ [and] ‘He's not doing this enough.’
“Now I just enjoy it when I'm out there. I breathe in the fresh air. I don't take anything for granted. I just feel like I'm comfortable… People love Wimbledon. I love Wimbledon. I love seeing the crowds.”
Kyrgios now plays Canadian 16th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who overcame Mikael Ymer of Sweden 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 in the final match on Wednesday.