"I was really trying not to look at him" - Kyrgios on playing Kokkinakis at US Open
ATP
Nick Kyrgios won his 200th match on the ATP Tour, but it was certainly not against the person he would have imagined. He beat his good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis at the 2022 US Open.
Kyrgios took on his good friend and doubles partner Kokkinakis in his first-round match in New York. Although both know each other well and shared the court when they won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title, Kyrgios was a clear favorite in this match.
Over the years, Kyrgios enjoyed more success on the tennis courts than Kokkinakis, whose injury struggles are also to blame for the lack of results. Now, they didn't stand on the same side of the net. Instead, they had to battle it out for a second-round spot at the US Open.
Both players were asked about how they dealt with facing each other and Kyrgios chose a very interesting approach that he explained after the match as he tried not to look at his opponent.
"Probably one of the most uncomfortable matches I've played in my career. I feel like we both had a game plan. We know our games so well. From the get-go, I was trying to block out his body and just play the tennis ball. I was really trying not to look at him at all. I felt like that kind of helped me."
Kyrgios didn't want to remind himself of the fact that he faced Kokkinakis. At the same time, the occasion was very big. It was his 200th career win. He played at the Arthur Ashe Stadium against his very good friend, and on top of that, they played after Serena Williams.
"To play one of probably my best friends after Serena's possible last match, with a record-breaking attendance, it's insane. A night I'm never going to forget. My 200th win as well. A couple accolades today. It was good."
