In an interview with Express on 5/8, Nick Kyrgios said he struggles with tennis, a sport considered aristocratic with strict rules of conduct.

"I swore in front of the Royal Box at Wimbledon," Kyrgios recounted his 2022 grass-court Grand Slam final against Novak Djokovic. "Probably no other tennis player would do that. I'm truly rude and not suited to play tennis. Since I was a child, I've loved basketball and video games."

Kyrgios at the 2022 US Open quarterfinals, on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York. Photo: USTA

Kyrgios at the 2022 US Open quarterfinals, on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York. Photo: USTA

Kyrgios believes he pursued a tennis career because he felt he had the potential to excel and received strong support from his family and coaches. However, it's not his favorite sport. After a bright start to his career as a rising star, Kyrgios gradually declined due to injuries and mental health struggles.

"I was depressed for a while and wanted to end my career," he recalled. "But now I've accepted who I am and am ready to express myself on the court. I won't change for anyone. If I need to take a break from tennis, I will. Once, I played video games for 9 hours straight and couldn't go to the tennis court."

Kyrgios said he's ready to accept public criticism of his attitude toward tennis. He also emphasized his satisfaction with his achievements, including 7 ATP titles and victories against some of the strongest players in history, the "Big 3".

"I won't be playing tennis for much longer," Kyrgios reiterated his intention to retire at 30. "I have many projects outside of tennis and other passions."

Last month, Kyrgios played alongside Gael Monfils in the men's doubles at the Washington Open and was eliminated in the second round. He will participate in a few more tournaments before entering the US Open. It's likely that next year's Australian Open will be the 1995-born player's farewell to the audience before officially retiring.

Vy Anh