Wimbledon: I’m okay not winning a Grand Slam and just putting on a show, says Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios hailed Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as “gods” on Thursday but insisted tennis also desperately needs his devil-may-care non-conformity.

The controversial Australian crowd-pleaser reached the Wimbledon third round by brushing aside Italy’s Gianluca Mager 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-4 to set up a clash with Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.

In between, he absorbed coaching tips from random fans while discussing the merits of Tottenham Hotspur.

“Not everyone can be a Federer or Djokovic or Nadal. These are, like, once-in-a-decade athletes that inspire millions of people. Like, they’re just gods. I see them as that, too,” said the 26-year-old Kyrgios.

“But you have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch, like people that are just normal.

“I feel like I’m one of those people. I’m Nick Kyrgios. I know who I am.”

#Wimbledon #Tennis

Nick Kyrgios is box office for the sport. pic.twitter.com/qh3JgFbZqz

— The Field (@thefield_in) July 2, 2021

Being Nick Kyrgios is an exhausting existence which unites and divides fans, other players and officials.

Nadal and Djokovic have accused him of lacking respect for the sport and its traditions.

Kyrgios, in turn, once described Nadal as “super salty” and Djokovic as “a tool” for aspects of his behaviour during the Covid-19 pandemic.

When a brash, teenage Kyrgios announced his arrival…

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