Weeks before the start of the new season in Brisbane, controversial ‘Aussie’ player Nick Kyrgios made a confession about his relationship with Rafa Nadal in his recent appearance on the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, directed by former tennis players like John Isner and Sam Querrey, among others.
In this program, Kyrgios did not hide his hatred for the Spaniard, who definitely retired from tennis after the Davis Cup after losing to the Netherlands and finished with a balance of three wins and six losses throughout his career.
“I couldn’t stand it. “I hated him and despised him a lot when I saw him walking around,” said the Australian, who also explained that he used that feeling as motivation whenever he faced Nadal, something that didn’t happen when he faced other players. giants like Roger Federer. or Novak.
“He is someone who always motivates me, if I play him, I will work hard and try to play the best tennis possible. I didn’t feel angry with Federer or Djokovic when I played against them“, he commented. “If I play with Rafa, everyone idolizes him, they say that he is a hard worker, that he is this and that… and I thought: ‘I can’t stand him.’ “I want to show people that you can have fun, be calm and beat people that way,” Kyrgios said.
However, despite having his differences with Rafa, the Australian also did not hide that he was touched by the retirement of Manacorí, and acknowledged that he had an “amazing career”, as he was supported by 22 Grand Slams.
“He had a spectacular career. I don’t think we’ll ever see someone so dominant on clay, in any way. I don’t think that’s possible,” said Kyrgios, who paid a heartfelt tribute to Nadal on social media the day the Spaniard announced his retirement from tennis.
Ready to go back
Meanwhile, the controversial Australian player is preparing to return to action in the new season, and he will do so in Brisbane before the first Grand Slam of the season at home, the Australian Open. After spending nearly two years plagued by persistent physical problems, Kyrgios wants to return to a good level on the ATP circuit and show that injuries are a thing of the past.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
