According to Nick Kyrgios, tennis should be more accepting of players who have unique styles and modes of expression that the establishment finds difficult to accept.
Although it took some time and was accompanied by a great deal of rejection, Kyrgios feels that he has gained acceptance in the tennis community.
However, he doesn’t think there is anything he would do differently about the way he has approached his work. Through his commentary work, the Australian firebrand hopes to provide a different viewpoint on the game.
In a video created for the New Royale presentation, Kyrgios stated that he worked with Hana Kuma, Naomi Osaka’s design business.
Kyrgios talked about it and said: “I wish tennis embraced different personalities in a way people did things a bit differently. For me, when I first came on the scene, they embraced me more. They kind of accepted who I am. The change just happened naturally. I think, being rejected for who I was for so long made me rebel even more. I don’t actually regret that because the people I work with, and I’ve met thus far and actually wouldn’t change a thing. But at Wimbledon, I’m not playing at the moment, but I’m coming back. And Naomi’s coming back from starting a family.”
Recalling his journey to the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said he would like to rejoin Osaka’s team at the All-England Club.
He further said: “Still almost beating the best player in the world but beating 99% of the other players pretty easily. You know, I’m trying to impact commentating and doing so many other cool things. That’s just another form of the way I communicate with the world. So, hopefully, when I’m back, we will play a bit of mixed doubles. The good thing is they don’t have any say. They just have to deal with it. I just hope they embrace it. That’s all.”
Nick Kyrgios in 2024
Now ranked no.470, the Australian played his last match on the 13th of June 2023 when he surrendered to world no.482 Yibing Wu 7-5 6-3 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
This season Nick owns a compiled 0-1 match record.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Currently ranked no.113, the Japanese played her last match on the 3rd of July when she lost to world no.17 Emma Navarro 6-4 6-1 in the 2nd round in Wimbledon (draw).
This season the Japanese has managed to achieve an overall 16-13 win-loss record.
Naomi Osaka will come up against Anna Danilina in the . They have never played each other as of now in top tournaments.
The Japanese won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka |
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