Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is a very talented player. He is very skillful on the tennis court and is absolutely menacing when he is on song. Kyrgios is an entertainer, as he can serve a highlight reel of perfection on a good day. What makes him stand out though, is the simple fact that he is self-coached.
Nick’s decision to forego a coach quite early on in his career raised quite a few eyebrows. But the Australian star has positive results to show for it too. He has played some of his best tennis in recent years, all the while being his own coach. He has defeated some of the biggest stars of tennis in his career and is one of the only few to have a positive head-to-head against Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios recently appeared on Mike Tyson’s podcast, where he spoke on a myriad of topics. He touched upon tennis, and his personal life, and even shared a funny anecdote. During the episode, Kyrgios clarified why he decided to opt for self-coaching.
No one knows @NickKyrgios game better than Nick Kyrgios himself. Facts. 🎾 pic.twitter.com/odVRCViysB
— Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson (@hotboxinpodcast) October 9, 2023
Kyrgios elaborated that he did not always see eye-to-eye with his coach. He added that his coaches would always tell him to do something he did not like or do things that did not work for him.
Kyrgios’ former coach, Joshua Eagle, had previously said the player could not be coached. “I don’t think he is coachable. He’s too far down the track in doing [things] his own way. He wouldn’t listen to anyone. I think he’s best off doing what he does,” (via Eurosport).
Nick Kyrgios feels he knows his game best, and this self-belief translates well on the tennis court. However, if there is one roadblock on the way to his success, that is his own antics. Kyrgios’ temperamental nature is well-known, and his on-court behavior has earned him the nickname of ‘Bad Boy of tennis.’
Mike Tyson’s advice for Nick Kyrgios
During the podcast, Kyrgios spoke about his milestones and a few of his actions which earned him hefty fines. Tyson supported Kyrgios throughout. Moreover, the boxer also had sound advice for the Aussie.
As they were talking, Tyson asked Kyrgios if he had a sponsor, to which the player replied that it had not been easy for him. Nick’s volatile nature did him no favors either, “They painted me as like a fu**ing villain,” he said. Tyson drew an example from his own experience with sponsors and others, who stayed away from him. Mike advised Kyrgios to not be discouraged by them.
Nick Kyrgios has been out of the tours this year due to an unfortunate spate of injuries. The only match he played this year, ended in a loss. However, the Aussie is eyeing for a comeback next year. Tennis has missed Kyrgios.