Nick Kyrgios strikes right balance after he found himself in ‘very dark places’

ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios controversy

Nick Kyrgios believes he has struck the perfect balance to get his tennis career back on track following a difficult 2018 season during which he “was in some very dark places”.

He started the year as Australia’s No 1 and further enhanced his reputation when he won the Brisbane International, while he also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open.

However, he failed to kick on after that due to not only poor form, but also injury as he was forced to miss the French Open because of a wrist problem.

He failed to reach another final the rest of the year and was replaced by Alex de Minaur as Australia’s No 1 as he slipped to No 35 in the world.

After calling an early end to his season, Kyrgios revealed that he had hired psychologists to help him battle with his demons and he feels like he has come out on the other side.

“I just feel like I’ve found out what works for me,” he is quoted as saying by WAtoday.com. “Long schedules away from home, playing unnecessary events and focusing on things that don’t matter to me personally is what drained me this year.

“I was in some dark places this year, that’s for sure. When I was on the road, I was in some very dark places.

“I know I’ve got to keep my schedule lighter, play the events I want to play and just put my focus on the [NK Foundation], when I think that I only get good vibes. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about and if I can make a difference, then great.”

Kyrios, who walked away with the Canberra male athlete of the year award gong on Friday evening, emphasised the importance of getting his “mental health right” and he feels the NK Foundation is playing a major role.

“To be recognised for hard work this year, I think I’ve done more off the court and it’s probably been a busier year for me, so it’s pretty special to be here and be nominated.

“I’m seeing psychologists now trying to get my mental health right, but I just think as a person I’ve grown. Having my foundation underway now is pretty special and I’m really going to shift a lot of my focus on to that.

“I had to sit down and think about what made me happy and seeing kids that don’t have opportunities to play sport, and giving them the opportunity to do that, that was where I found I was at my most happiest. Way more than when I’m on court.”

More from Tennis365:

Latest