Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is spending plenty of time in the gym during his break from the international tennis circuit.
The 19-year-old is bulking up as he prepares for his second-year assault on the ATP tour, but it is not just his body that is getting bigger.
After a breakout year, Kyrgios now has the burgeoning profile that comes with being Australia’s likely top-ranked men’s hope when the home grand slam starts on January 19.
It is also a fitting descriptor of Kyrgios’ aspirations at the Australian Open, an event which kickstarted the teenager’s surprising 2014 campaign when he progressed to the second round.
“You’ve got to definitely believe you can win the tournament,” Kyrgios said.
“It’s important to go out there and believe you can win the tournament.
“If you visualise it … it’s supposed to help.”
This is a school of thought Margaret Court imparted to Kyrgios during Tuesday’s Australian Open launch.
Kyrgios had a hit with fellow up-and-comer Storm Sanders, Court and Victorian minister for sport and recreation Damian Drum at the revamped Margaret Court Arena.
Kyrgios is currently in Australia nursing a niggling arm issue.
“I’m getting healthy again … I’ve been in the gym and obviously monitoring my hitting,” he said.
“I’ve just got to get fitter and stronger. I’m playing at a higher level now, with fully-grown men.”
Kyrgios will next be in action at the International Premier Tennis League, linking up with the likes of Serena Williams and Andre Agassi in Singapore.
“I’m going to be picking all their brains,” he said.
Kyrgios vowed to “entertain as much” as he can at the Australian Open.
“And obviously get some results as well,” he quickly added, when asked about the expectation awaiting in January.
“I’m playing some really good tennis, hopefully I can carry it through.”
Source: AAP.