Kyrgios: The Big Three Are Gods. I'm Mr Relatable
Nick Kyrgios says that he is really enjoying the experience of being at The Championships this year, but insists he isn’t going to win a Grand Slam anytime soon.
“Not everyone can be a [Roger] Federer or [Novak] Djokovic,” said Kyrgios, following his 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-4 win over Gianluca Mager on Tuesday for a place in the Wimbledon third round. "[They] inspire millions of people. They're just gods. I see them as that."
“You have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch… I feel like I'm one of those people. Not everyone can be a Federer, a Djokovic or a [Rafael] Nadal.
“I'm Nick Kyrgios. I know who I am. I just don't put that much pressure on myself any more. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with not winning Grand Slams.”
The 26-year-old Australian beat Ugo Humbert 9-7 in the fifth set on No. 1 Court in the first round and is delighted to receive the support of fans at the All England Club.
“It's just been awesome,” said Kyrgios, who reached the quarter-finals (l. to Raonic) on his Wimbledon debut in 2014. “I feel like the public and the crowds have really embraced me and really enjoyed me being back. I feel like I've got a lot to offer for this tournament.
“I don't put as much pressure on myself any more. When I was younger, it was hard to deal with all the criticism that the media gave me, that everyone gave me. ‘He should be doing this’ [and] ‘He should be achieving this’ [and] ‘He's not doing this enough.’
“Now I just enjoy it when I'm out there. I breathe in the fresh air. I don't take anything for granted. I just feel like I'm comfortable… People love Wimbledon. I love Wimbledon. I love seeing the crowds.”
Kyrgios now plays Canadian 16th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who overcame Mikael Ymer of Sweden 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 in the final match on Wednesday.