Before the news broke of a positive COVID case that put the Australian tennis season into jeopardy, Nick Kyrgios shared his stance on playing through the pandemic.
“I think sport is essential for us,” he told the Australian Associated Press.
“Tennis is such a rich culture in Australia…we’ve got so many legends of the sport, I think we almost need it in a sense.”
The 25-year-old did not diminish public commentary that at times pointed to people’s concerns of allowing international travellers into the country amid the pandemic, especially when many citizens have not been able to return home.
“I’m sure some people that have had family members affected by it or lose family members, are saying like, ‘what the hell are you doing playing a tennis tournament’, you know?”
“But it’s a tough one. It’s a tough question…Whether or not it’s the right time, that’s not for me to say because we are going ahead with it.”
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It has been almost a year since Kyrgios last played a competitive tournament and said the time off has helped him regroup and not get as worked up during games.
“I feel like I’ve been around the tour for a while now. I feel like I’m not going to get as angry as I used to. I just feel as if I know what style of tennis I need to be playing to win matches now,” he said.
He did however have some choice words for the umpire during his Wednesday match against fellow countryman Harry Bourchier after he was dealt a time violation.
Due to ongoing restrictions, ball kids are no longer permitted to bring towels to players between points, forcing players to run off to get their own.
The tennis star claimed he had already started his service motion when the timer struck zero and the replay showed Kyrgios was definitely into his serve when the violation was called.
Kyrgios eventually continued the game after walking of the court claiming “I’m not playing”, and took home a 6-2 7-6 victory.
