Nick Kyrgios has paid tribute to his support team after his win against fellow Aussie and friend Alex de Minaur, despite berating them multiple times in the match.
The Wimbledon finalist was in fine form in the 6-2, 6-3 win, coming off a stunning display and victory against world number one Daniil Medvedev at the Montreal Masters ATP event.
However, the Australian admitted that he struggled mentally during the matchup and it showed in multiple blowups at his support team in the second set.
The pressure was clearly showing as Kyrgios began to berate his team for a perceived lack of support and at one time called them ‘f***ing stupid’, according to the Herald Sun.
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Kyrgios had started well, winning the first set, but began to unravel to de Minaur in the second, unleashing a tirade at his girlfriend, physio, and manager.
Kyrgios had fought back to a 30-30 point at one stage and began to unleash on his team after it appeared they weren’t supporting him how he’d like.
He asked: “How many more matches until you get it?
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“There’s nothing more frustrating. I fight back from 0-30.”
He continued his rant after losing his serve, saying: “Do you understand that I’ll be berated in the media if I lose this match, do you understand that? Clearly not.”
His actions were described as ‘pure venting’ from the commentary box.
While the Aussie certainly picked up his game afterwards getting the match to 5-2, he began to throw a tirade of insults at his team in an even more condescending matter after being broken by de Minaur.
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He said: “I think you guys are f***ing stupid, I think you guys are dumb.
“You just don’t get it. Well done, well done.”
It appeared his blow-up allowed him to get his frustrations out of his system as he went on to seal the win against his country counterpart.
And after the match, he was quick to pay tribute to his team in the win.
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He said: “It’s just my team - my girlfriend, my physio, my agent - we ride the ups and downs.”
Kyrgios also admitted the mental block he had in playing his good friend and former Davis Cup teammate.
He said: “It was incredibly tough after yesterday’s big high, after playing Daniil. It’s a day I’ll probably never forget.
“Today was really hard mentally for me to go out and play Alex, we’re such good friends and he’s been having such a good career so far and carrying the Australian flag for so long, it was tough mentally to play a friend, especially if they’re Australian.
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“I just got out here and got the job done. I played the way I had to play. He’s a helluva player, if he plays to his strengths, he’s one of the best players from the back of the court and he’s so fast.”
Kyrgios ensured he will be seeded for the US Open with his win as heads to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Topics: Australia, Tennis, Nick Kyrgios
Jayden Collins