'I’m Actually Incredibly Patient': Kyrgios Shares Mental Approach to Tennis Success

Saturday, 01 July 2023 at 05:00

Updated at Sunday, 17 August 2025 at 17:31

byAlex Waite

The common image of Nick Kyrgios is one of an outspoken and close to the line player who has plenty to say.

However, there is more to the firey Australian character who often rubs people up the wrong way. Despite all the controversies and the fines, Kyrgios is a successful tennis professional with a Wimbledon singles runner-up trophy and an Australian Open doubles title to his name.

Recently, Kyrgios has been targeted as a player that some competitors won't want to face at Wimbledon 2023, despite the Australian's recent time on the sidelines this season. However, the 28-year-old will need to draw on plenty of his character and mental strength to perform at SW19 this year and he recently opened up to Men's Health about how he tries to get the best out of his game.

"I like to do things my own way and I’ve been like that since I was a little kid. A good analogy is that I never stay within the lines. I always challenge, I ask questions. I want to know why I’m doing things, whether that’s about how I go about my everyday life or how I play the game a certain way."

- Kyrgios told Men's Health

"The mental aspect of what we do as athletes is key. When you’re in the right mindset, feeling good about yourself, feeling confident, and you believe you’re capable of doing something great, the physical will follow. If, mentally, you’re struggling, the mindset is not right, you’re struggling with confidence or you’re dealing with mental health issues, it’s hard to feel good physically."

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Also, despite a preceding image as a hot-heated kind of character, Kyrgios defended his profile and explained that he must be patient to achieve his best level. But he also acknowledges that a fine line between frustration and patience is needed.

"Tennis is a very repetitive sport – it’s not easy, it can be very tedious and amazing discipline and amazing patience are required. People see me as volatile, but you don’t make it this far in the sport without composure and patience. I’m actually incredibly patient."

"I feel I’ve always been a perfectionist and, sometimes, to get the best out of myself I have to fire myself up, get out of a rut, lift my energy levels. A mental outburst can get me going. It’s all about balance. All athletes get into a zone and need to be pumped up to some extent."