Tennis news - 'I was going through really rough times' - Nick Kyrgios after comeback triumph

Updated 05/03/2019 at 09:15 GMT

Nick Kyrgios has spoken of his "really rough times" after his triumph at the Acapulco Open in Mexico.

Nick Kyrgios triumphs in Acapulco

Image credit: Getty Images

Kyrgios defeated Alexander Zverev to claim his fifth ATP title and again demonstrated his extraordinary talent in doing so.

The Australian beat three top-10 players, including Rafael Nadal in an intense and dramatic battle, en route to winning the tournament.

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The 23-year-old has now spoken of the tough times he has endured and how he hopes he has encouraged others who are struggling.

"I think I’ve played a lot better [tennis before], but this could be the best I’ve competed in a long time,” he told Tennis World.

"I did everything I could on court, I tried 100 per cent. I think I’ve played much better tennis. It’s huge. To win a tournament like this, beating the players I beat, just gives me confidence.

"I could have lost to Rafa in the second round – he had three match points. So I’m very lucky and very fortunate to be in this position.

It shows if I can do it – and I was going through some really rough times, was really battling mentally, seeing a psychologist – I just hope I’ve set a good example to people that are struggling. If I can do it and go out and beat guys like Rafa, Stan, Zverev, you can get through whatever you’re getting through.

"Obviously the win feels good, but this is just the start," he added. "I think I need to do a lot better and I need to work a lot harder.

"I think my game is top 10, but the things I do off court, my professionalism, my work ethic, is not top 10. I think I need to get those things right, to get into the top 10.

"When you look at Sascha, Rafa, Novak, every single day they’re doing the right things. And for me I’m not doing the right things yet. So hopefully maybe I can start doing that, and one day I can be top 10."

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