Wimbledon 2022 finalist, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, shared insights into his career motivations, revealing that his primary drive was not a dream of sporting greatness but the need to support his family financially through tennis.
“I didn`t even really like the sport,” Kyrgios stated. “My father came by boat from Greece, and my mother lived in the slums of Malaysia. I understood very early on that this was a way to take care of my family. That was my only goal. I didn`t care about Grand Slams or anything else. I played because I made good money and just wanted to help my family. My friends and I wanted to provide for our families. And, you know, sometimes I think people say, `Oh, he doesn`t take it seriously,` but I don`t have the personality of Alcaraz, Sinner, or Federer. I mean, these guys are generational athletes. The way they conduct themselves all the time is almost perfect. I know that`s not me. That wasn`t my goal either. My parents will never have to worry about bills again. I wouldn`t change anything about my career. I had so much fun.”
Furthermore, Kyrgios commented on the alleged doping controversy surrounding world number one Jannik Sinner. He expressed skepticism about whether players at Sinner`s level could be truly unaware of substances administered by their highly-paid teams.
“Just because someone says so doesn`t mean it`s true,” he challenged. “What does `Sinner didn`t use any performance-enhancing drugs` mean? What do you mean by that? I`ll tell you right now. Do you guys really believe he`s the world number one? He`s like, I don`t know, Nikola Jokic, right? If you compare him to the NBA. And you think he`s paying a physiotherapist hundreds of thousands of dollars, man? He`s paying this person hundreds of thousands of dollars, and this physio is going to carry some scalpel around without any protection? Just lying around somewhere. Cuts his finger, then rubs massage cream on it. But you`re paying him hundreds of thousands… man, I pay my physio that kind of money to look after my body based on years of experience and research so that these kinds of things *don`t* happen. He`s the world number one. Do you think he knew nothing? Do you really believe such naivety is possible at this level? These guys are incredibly meticulous, brother. They don`t even drink alcohol, not a drop – and you`re saying they `didn`t know`? Get outta here.”
Kyrgios also questioned the timing of the ATP CEO`s resignation amidst the situation: “And then you think it`s just a coincidence that the ATP CEO is Italian, and he`s now resigned? Just like that. Why is he leaving now? The PTPA is suing the ATP. And then he`s like, `Oh, it`s time for me to retire.` Why are you suddenly leaving?” Kyrgios said on The Changeover Podcast.
