Nick Kyrgios’ eccentric behaviour on court has often caught the attention of many, and most of the times it is about how he doesn’t care much about the game or his career, not fighting hard enough for points and giving away matches that he probably should have won.
But last night was different? It seemed like Kyrgios cared about the outcome of his match against Federer, it seemed like he wanted to win it at all costs.
It somehow didn’t quite work out in the end for him, but at least the intent was there, visible, palpable.
And as Federer rejoiced with Team Europe, Nick Kyrgios could’t help but breakdown in front of his team mates, a sight that was rarity on the tennis court.
In the post match interview when Kyrgios was asked about the same, he said that the tears were for his teammates, who he had let down.
“It was tough,” Kyrgios said after the 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 11-9 loss to Federer.
When I’m playing for myself, sometimes I don’t put the greatest effort in when I play on my own. When I play with these guys and I’m playing for something as a team, I’m not just playing for myself out there.
“I’m playing for the whole team. It’s the same in Davis Cup. I’m playing for the country, playing for the guys on the bench. I know that every single one of these guys up here has put effort into this week, whether that’s practice, supporting other guys.
“You know, Johnny Mac supporting us, P-Mac helping us with everything. We all bought in as a team. That’s why it hurt. I gave everything I had. I came short, and I knew that we were going to be favourites going to the doubles. That was in the back of my mind.” Kyrgios added.
Kyrgios felt responsible for Team World’s defeat and thus couldn’t control his emotions.
“Yeah, it just hurt because I knew I didn’t want to let these guys down. I wanted to come through but I didn’t. Yeah, that’s why I got a bit emotional out there.” Kyrgios concluded.
Hopefully Kyrgios feels the same way when he is participating in an individual tournament as well, because whenever he doesn’t give his 100% on the court, he in a way lets down his fans and himself.
