When Nick Kyrgios ponders why 2022 proved to be the 12 months he rocketed from grand slam also-ran to Wimbledon finalist, he has no hesitation in pointing to 1 “secret weapon” behind the rise.
“None of this could have been done without her,” he explains, reflecting on assembly girlfriend Costeen Hatzi, who Kyrgios says has reworked his life on and off the courtroom in 2022.
The pair met on the finish of final 12 months, a relationship straight out of the social media age which started with Kyrgios recognizing Hatzi on Instagram, messaging her about shopping for a mirror from her small business after which going to fulfill her.
He was, apparently, already smitten.
But he couldn’t have imagined how his new girlfriend would find yourself altering his way of living – and to tennis.
“It’s been a very successful year, not only on the tennis court but just in general. I’m feeling really, really good about everything and just enjoying life,” he mentioned.
“And meeting Costeen was probably my favourite moment, probably the best thing that’s happened to me – and the year I’ve had as a highly motivated and highly pushed player, has been because of her. That’s been my favourite experience.
“I just feel happier off the court, really just trying to be happy off the court – and that shows up on the court too.
“She’s just the best thing ever and just makes me feel amazing, believes in my tennis and believes in me off the court too. We have such a good relationship.”
Hatzi has turn out to be Kyrgios’ rock, following him to each match, backing him at coaching and proving his fixed assist, even getting an invitation on courtroom at Melbourne Park after he gained the Australian Open doubles in the beginning the 12 months.
Asked if he felt she was the key weapon of ‘Team Kyrgios’, he had little doubt. “That’s it, that’s it,” he mentioned.
Speaking on the Diriyah Cup in Saudi Arabia, the place his presence on the invitation occasion for a fistful of {dollars} after displaying little interest in competing on the Davis Cup for Australia a few weeks earlier precipitated some stir, Kyrgios sounded as if any fuss would merely wash over him in the meanwhile.
“I don’t really care if perceptions have changed of me this year, to be honest,” he mentioned.
“Either way, I know I’ve stayed true to myself … I play the game the way I want to play it.
“And whatever people say, my stadiums are always full.
“A lot of people have gravitated towards my type of tennis, I’ve been a kind of icon in the sport and, obviously, been able to be consistent in 2022.
“I guess you could say it was a breakthrough year.”
And may the following breakthrough be that first grand slam singles triumph, perhaps even in Melbourne subsequent month?
“Nothing’s guaranteed,” he mentioned, requested about his intestine feeling over his possibilities within the 2023 grand slam opener.
“I’m training well, enjoying it, mentally feeling good. That’s all that really matters.
“Whether I go in there and win the tournament or lose first round, I’m the same person.
“I’m taking it day by day, I’m a day-by-day person. I’m not thinking ahead at all.”
Still, although, he’s assured his greatest probability in 2023 lies on the Wimbledon grass.
“For sure, of the four (grand slams) Wimbledon’s always been my first shot to win a slam.
“It’s still true that it’s my best chance, definitely – it’s the biggest one and the most important one.”
In Saudi Arabia, Kyrgios appeared terribly chilled on the finish of a 12 months by which he has proven the tennis world his greatest.
But requested by reporters if he was nonetheless sticking to his profession plan of retiring earlier than he turns 30 in 2025, Kyrgios mused: “I wanted to have a family by then and enjoy family time and enjoy all the hard work I’ve put in.
“So if I have another couple years like this, I think then I would say goodbye. But that’s still two-and-a-half years away, so let’s see.”
And how does he image life for the 37-year-old Kyrgios, 10 years down the road?
“A big family … four, five kids … smoking a big spliff in the Bahamas … fishing maybe,” he smiled.
“I won’t be working, though. I’m working enough now – in 10 years I won’t be.”
Until then, there’s unlikely to be a uninteresting second with Kyrgios round.
