Nick Kyrgios opens up about ‘dedication’ issues after US Open loss

Nick Kyrgios’ eccentricity is both exciting and frustrating. Sometimes you feel that people should go upto him and talk to him about his tennis, his life, his attitude; but on the other hand you feel that it is important to let him be, let him figure stuff out on his own, and find his calling, whenever and wherever.

Kyrgios’ enigmatic personality is a little difficult for fans to deal with though. They sometimes feel ‘cheated’, as Kyrgios just doesn’t always give his 100% on court(or so it appears).

After the strong showing in Cincinnati, everyone felt that Nick would go deep in the US Open, maybe even challenge for the title, but he fell flat against Millman in the first round.

Shoulder pain(maybe a dead arm) was on display and Kyrgios just didn’t look his normal destructive self in the 3rd and the 4th set(Millman and Kyrgios had split the first two sets).

In the post match press conference, Kyrgios spoke about how he is constantly letting people down, and how his coach deserved an athlete who was more ‘dedicated’.

“I keep letting people down.” Kyrgios stated.

When asked if he would want to continue with Sebastien Grosjean, Kyrgios brought up the entire ‘dedication’ angle.

“I don’t know, honestly. I’m not good enough for him,” Kyrgios responded. “You know, he’s very dedicated. He’s an unbelievable coach. You know, he probably deserves a player that is probably more dedicated to the game than I am. He deserves a better athlete than me.” Kyrgios said.

“I’m not dedicated to the game at all. I mean, you know what I mean: There are players out there that are more dedicated, that want to get better, that strive to get better every day. The ‘one-percenters.’ I’m not that guy.” he added.

When the reporter further questioned him if he could ever see himself becoming that ‘dedicated guy’, Kyrgios said ” I really don’t know. Probably not. Honestly not.”.

Kyrgios then went onto talk about his injury problems, and how they have hurt him big time this season.

“I was playing basketball … every day for two hours. Like, I played an hour of basketball before I played (2013 French Open runner-up) David Ferrer in the semifinal. I was … getting a milk shake every day. I was less dedicated. And this week I was dedicated — and my shoulder starts hurting.” Kyrgios said.

“I have had a diabolical year at these Slams. It doesn’t surprise me. It’s just the story of my career, really. I will have good weeks; I’ll have bad weeks. It’s just a roller-coaster.” he concluded.