Kyrgios praised for humble victory speech

Nick Kyrgios seems to have won over some fans with a classy and down-to-earth victory speech after winning the Brisbane International.

Kyrgios claimed his maiden ATP title on home soil and first since 2016 on Sunday night, combining casual flair with enormous power to beat Ryan Harrison 6-4 6-2 in the final.

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Much-maligned in the past for his on-court meltdowns and temper tantrums, the young Aussie displayed a newfound maturity during the match and after it.

He started off with a classy nod to his beaten opponent.

"Every time I watch you you're getting better and better, you're going to have a massive year," he said.

"Congratulations on a great week."

Kyrgios then turned his attention to his support staff, and gave a surprising nod to his 'coach'.

While claiming pre-tournament that he would not have a full-time coach on tour in 2018, Kyrgios credited his good friend Matt Reid for helping him to a title in front of his family and friends.

"He does more than that (coach), he's pretty much my team," Kyrgios said.

"He doesn't get the credit he deserves."

The 22-year-old then won over the fans, referencing how he's not always a favourite in the Aussie public.

"I've got fond memories of Brisbane, played Davis Cup here and had a massive win over the US," he said.

"Coming here all week I felt right at home ... I love playing in front of you guys even though sometimes you may not see it that way, but I do."

Fans took to social media after the speech to praise the champion.

Kyrgios seemed far more relaxed throughout the tournament, and it showed in his performances.

At one stage in the first set he quizzed a match official after not being allowed a medical time-out to re-strap his knee, hypothetically raising the notion that further injury could keep him out of the Australian Open.

But he clarified after the match that it was simply "professional curiosity" that led to that conversation, dousing any suggestion that the injury could derail his Melbourne campaign as he confirmed his attendance at Monday's Fast4 exhibition tournament in Sydney.

The 22-year-old staved off five break points in the first set, including three in his third service game as the American made a terrific fist of dealing with the booming Kyrgios delivery.

But the Australian third seed held his nerve and pounced at his first opportunity to break, then raced through the second set as the world No.47 failed to keep pace.

"The way I put myself in some pretty tough situations, came back from a set down three times against three pretty good opponents, that's just confidence mentally but physically as well," he said of his week in Brisbane.

"I'm pretty happy with my performance today; he came out firing early.

"I didn't know what kind of performance I'd put in, as the week went on I felt I was serving better and hitting the ball a lot better."

with AAP