Nick Kyrgios' candid retirement confession ahead of Australian Open
The enigmatic Aussie was honest in the interview after the match against Novak Djokovic.
Nick Kyrgios made the surprise admission that he would retire from tennis if he wins a grand slam during an interview with Novak Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena. Novak Djokovic received a raucous welcome back to Melbourne Park on Friday as he entered court for his Fast 4 practice clash against Kyrgios.
The pair played a jovial match in front of a sold out arena. After the pair played two sets, they were interviewed about their Australian Open campaign. And when pushed about his previous comments that he would retire if he ever picked up a major, Kyrgios doubled down.
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"100 per cent! It is a lot of training and a lot of work," Kyrgios said. "I just want to be able to eat whatever I want and drink what I want to drink, and just relax. It is a hard lifestyle."
"The dedication that these guys show day in and day out... I did a bit of that last year and had a great year to show that I am still one of the best. I am going to try and do it this year, and hopefully I can do it, but it will be hard."
Kyrgios went on to praise the Serbian during the interview and said he never would have envisioned an exhibition event with Djokovic a year ago. "Absolutely not!" he said.
He went on to praise the influence of Djokovic and Rafa Nadal on the sport."I think it is just so important to have him around.
"Obviously, one of the greatest already left us last year, Roger [Federer] and I don't think we actually knew how special these guys are to our sport.
"So every time Novak is around at one of these events, I will want to beat him - even if I can't at a Grand Slam! - but it is very important to have him around because he is one of the most important [players] for our sport."
Novak Djokovic escapes injury concern
While the match was played in good spirits, both Kyrgios and Djokovic headed into the warm-up under injury clouds. However the nine-time Australian Open winner showed no signs of the hamstring issue that has troubled him this month and repeatedly played up to the crowd during the light-hearted hit-out for charity.
Kyrgios pulled out of the recent United Cup and Adelaide International tournaments with knee and ankle complaints and has not played a serious match since late last year.
But Australia's top-ranked player - the host nation's best shot at another Open crown after Ash Barty's drought-breaking victory last year - moved well against Djokovic in a positive sign for his hopes of going deep into the second week.
with AAP
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