Nick Kyrgios, the professional tennis player who has been a consistent force in the sport since 2012, revealed an intriguing journey from childhood aversion to tennis to becoming a prominent figure on the court. In a podcast appearance with British author Kyrgios, he opened up about his initial reluctance toward tennis despite his passion for basketball.
Kyrgios, who had a profound love for basketball, found himself reluctantly treading the path of tennis. His childhood inclination toward basketball persisted even as he embarked on his tennis journey.
As a youngster, the Australian tennis star despised the racket sport. His disdain for tennis was a stark contrast to his enthusiasm for basketball. However, a turning point arrived when his mother, concerned about his weight, sought to encourage him to engage in physical activity. Consequently, she took him to a local tennis court, despite Kyrgios’ initial resistance.
Reflecting on those early days in the ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty’ podcast, Kyrgios recounted, “Well, I hated tennis when I was young, so you know, I was very chubby, overweight as a kid, and my mum kinda, she was like, ‘Okay, we gotta get you doing some sport or be active.’ So, she dragged me down to the local tennis courts. And I remember I was crying all day hated it, didn’t want to be there. Anyway, I gave it a chance for like, you know, a couple of weeks, couple months, and the coach was like, ‘He’s picking it up pretty quickly.'”
That pivotal moment, when his tennis coach recognized his innate talent, marked a turning point for Kyrgios. Recognizing his potential in tennis, he made a significant commitment to the sport from that point onward.
Kyrgios further discussed his parents’ determination to steer him toward tennis. Their decision was rooted in his adeptness at the sport and a desire to channel his energy and talent into a structured athletic pursuit.
From his initial disdain for tennis as a child to becoming a professional player excelling in the sport, Nick Kyrgios’ journey serves as an inspiring tale of transformation and dedication, transitioning from a reluctant beginner to a renowned figure in the world of tennis.
Nick Kyrgios in 2023
Now the world no.470, Kyrgios played his last match on the 13th of June when he surrendered to world no.121 Yibing Wu 7-5 6-3 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
At present, during this year Nick has managed to achieve a composed 0-1 match record.
