TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 26th of June. N. Kyrgios d. R. Gasquet 3-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 10-8. An interview with Nick Kyrgios
Q. Do you feel that it’s actually been a while coming? You made such rapid strides in the game.
NICK KYRGIOS: Yeah, it was an unbelievable match out there. My first ever two sets love down, coming back and winning. It’s an amazing feeling. So proud of yourself the way you hung in and fought it out.
I played some unbelievable tennis today. He was coming up with some really good shots as well. I think I saved nine match points. There’s plenty of opportunities he could have taken. I came out on top, I’m really happy.
Q. What’s the bigger achievement, coming from two sets to love down or nine match points saved?
NICK KYRGIOS: I think two sets love down. At that stage it seemed like a massive hill to climb. I stuck in there. I just fought and I gave myself the opportunity to win the match.
Q. What were you thinking while you were facing each one of these match points?
NICK KYRGIOS: I was just thinking I just need a big serve every time. That’s what I was thinking.
You know, a couple times where I missed my first serve. Obviously the challenge kept me in it. I was just thinking about going through my routine, coming up with something, going after it, playing aggressive.
Q. That was one of those really close-call challenges. What was your feeling that you saw that the technology could keep you in the match?
NICK KYRGIOS: I mean, I guess that’s why we have it today. I can’t really say too much about that.
The serve was in. It was a bit unlucky to be called out. It was a good serve, would have saved another match point. That’s the way it was.
Obviously I was relieved that it did catch the back of line.
Q. Geoff Masters said to you afterwards it was a career-defining match for you. Is that overstating things or do you feel that way?
NICK KYRGIOS: I think it’s a massive steppingstone for me to finally reach the third round of a Grand Slam. Especially to come back from two sets to love down, it can be a building bridge for more things to come.
It is my biggest career win, I think. So I’m going to take a lot of confidence out of me moving forward.
Q. Gasquet said to us afterwards that he saw you as a future topb#five player, potential Grand Slam winner. What are your own goals? How far do you think you’re going to go?
NICK KYRGIOS: My goal is to become the No. 1 player in the world.
He’s a great player. He sort of made me play some of the best tennis I ever played today. They’re very kind words. It’s motivation to keep working hard. He’s noticed I can do something special in this sport
Q. You were standing between changeovers. Is that something you always do?
NICK KYRGIOS: Sometimes I do that. Sometimes I’ll sit down. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for me. I’ll do stuff like that all the time.
Q. How are you feeling physically?
NICK KYRGIOS: As soon as I came off the court, I was hurting a little bit. But I went to the gym. I did everything I needed to do. Good nutrition.
I’m feeling pretty good now actually. I think I’ve come a long way since the Australian Open second round. That’s all positive.
Q. The Australian Open second round, that fifth set, first fiveb#set match, what have you been doing to increase your strength?
NICK KYRGIOS: Yeah, I’ve got a great strength and conditioning coach. He’s been doing the hard yards with me. I’ve really committed to buying in what he wants me to do. I think I’ve developed as an athlete along way.
I think I’m getting better every day. I think maybe just a bit more experience as well managing my emotions out there, so…
