Nick Kyrgios after Wimbledon defeat: ‘I felt like I belonged. I was right there against one of the greatest’

Finishing runner-up in a Grand Slam final is “not a good feeling”, but Nick Kyrgios believes he was not overawed by the occasion while he also hopes to learn from the experience.
Playing in his maiden Grand Slam final against “one of the greatest of all time” in Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios made a superb start as he took the first set before the Serbian hit back to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).
"It's been an amazing couple of weeks for me"@NickKyrgios has had an unforgettable run at The Championships 2022#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/NSZybuzMIX
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2022
There were times when Kyrgios looked like he would lose his cool as it one point he accused a spectator, who has had about “700 drinks”, of disturbing him while he also shouted at his box multiple times.
However, he managed to regain his composure and, although he was gutted to finish runner-up, there were plenty of positives for the Australian.
“I felt like, you know, to get to the final, there’s always a bit of anxiety of how it’s going to play out, if you feel worthy to be there. I felt like the trophy was definitely attainable,” he said.
“I played a hell of a first set and put myself in a position to take a stranglehold of the match.
“My level is right there. I feel like you look at what Novak has done to some other opponents, and it’s not a good feeling.
“But I’m right there. I’m not behind the eight ball at all. I played a Slam final against one of the greatest of all time, and I was right there.
“It was a hell of an occasion. People were probably expecting me to have something happen today. But I came out in the first set and I looked like I was the one who had played in a lot of finals. I thought I dealt with the pressure pretty well.
“I felt like I belonged, to be honest. I’ve played big finals before. My record in finals is pretty good. I’ve played some very good players in finals.”
He added: “I felt like he just has so much experience to draw on. Look, he’s won the tournament I don’t know how many times now, four times in a row.
“I’ve got that under my belt now, a Wimbledon finalist. I can kind of draw from experience.
“I felt like I belonged, though. I feel like my game, my level has always been there. I feel like I’ve kind of put it together a little bit this couple of weeks.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic on course to break Steffi Graf’s record as he makes biggest-ever jump to No 1
Novak Djokovic back at No 1.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas sings different tune after Novak Djokovic GOAT remark – ‘I don’t want to give the whole title to him’
Stefanos Tsitsipas has a different take on GOAT debate.
-
Australian Open
How difficult is ‘crazy’ Novak Djokovic to deal with? His coach Goran Ivanisevic shares his thoughts
“I understand how he feels. I understand the emotions,” says Goran Ivanisevic about Novak Djokovic’s outbursts.
-
Australian Open
How Novak Djokovic will end the GOAT debate once and for all
With Djokovic now level with Nadal in 22 major wins, tennis legend John McEnroe has predicted how many more he will win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic proud of ‘special journey’ to 22nd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas gave him his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina hits back over ‘fake news’ about her ‘passionate coach’ Stefano Vukov
“I want to clarify any misinterpretations,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe
How many more Grand Slam titles can Novak Djokovic win? John McEnroe expects plenty more from world No 1.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic breaks down after ‘biggest victory of his life’ at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s list for most Grand Slams.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘greatest that has ever held a tennis racket’
Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest ever following Australian Open final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
Novak Djokovic let it all out after winning the 2023 Australian Open.