Nick Kyrgios claims he's a favourite ahead of Australian Open 2023 - 'I am one of the best players in the world'
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Published 12/01/2023 at 09:47 GMT
Nick Kyrgios believes that for the first time in his career, he is a favourite heading into a Grand Slam, and claimes he is ready for any pressure he will face. The world No. 21 will face Novak Djokovic in a warm-up match, which could be a preview of a quarter-final clash at the tournament. Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk.
Top seed Djokovic digs deep to overcome resilient Korda in thrilling Adelaide final
Nick Kyrgios claims that he is ready for the pressure that comes with being a tournament favourite, saying that he is one of the best in the world ahead of the Australian Open.
The world No. 21, who reached his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon last year and then managed a quarter-finals finish at the US Open, has proven that he can be a serious contender on the biggest stages as he looks to become the first home men’s singles champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976.
“I am one of the best players in the world, so I’m definitely going to go into the Australian Open, any tournament, with confidence,” he said after a practice session at Melbourne Park.
“It’s a bit different this time around [with me] being one of the favourites. Usually, I’m a dark horse type thing, but now, obviously, after the year I’ve had, I’m one of the favourites, so it’s kind of new for me as well.
“This is the first time I’ve genuinely gone into a Slam feeling like I’m one of the guys that can really take the trophy and knock on the door. I don’t know what I’m going to be feeling when I get out there.
“Usually I’ve got nothing to lose and just putting on a show, but I’ve got to try to really find that balance. Fourteen days to win one of these things is not easy. Obviously, I’m capable, but so many other people are capable as well.”
In preparation for the first tournament of the season, Kyrgios is due to take on Novak Djokovic in a practice match on Rod Laver Arena on Friday evening, with tickets selling out within an hour.
Despite Djokovic struggling with a hamstring injury sustained in Adelaide, Kyrgios expects that the match will go ahead, claiming: “I haven’t heard anything else.
"He knows what he needs to be feeling moving forwards. But I wouldn’t have any doubt. I still think he’s a clear favourite.”
All eyes will be on Djokovic, the nine-time Australian Open champion, who returns to Melbourne Park following last season's deportation due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.
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Novak Djokovic
Image credit: Getty Images
Fans have already been warned that they will be asked to leave if they are disruptive in their reactions towards Djokovic.
“I know people are always going to have people they hate on court and people they love. I’m one of the players that deals with it everywhere. I would just say Novak’s here, and he hasn’t made any rules. He’s here, and all he wants to do is put on a show," said Kyrgios on his opponent.
“He’s chasing things that athletes rarely are able to chase. He’s one of the greatest athletes of all time, not just on a tennis court. I know there are going to be people that won’t want him to win, but I think they just can’t cross that line as fans.”
The warm-up match could be a preview for what's to come in the tournament, with Kyrgios potentially coming head-to-head with Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
The Australian No. 1 will not want to get too carried away looking at potential draws in the later rounds, with his main focus on Russian world No. 99 Roman Safiullin, who he faces in the first round.
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Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk
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