"It's my job, I need to make money" - Kyrgios on playing doubles
ATP
Nick Kyrgios explained his motivation behind playing in multiple doubles events during the 2022 season.
Only a few decades ago, it was normal for ATP players to compete in both singles and doubles, but what used to be normal back then isn't a reality now.
John McEnroe reached the World No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings in both singles and doubles and he was one of the last players that managed to win Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles consistently.
Now, Kyrgios is trying to follow in the footsteps of the American. The Australian player is having a very successful season. He started this year by winning the doubles event at the 2022 Australian Open alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis and lifted two more titles in the United States.
Now, Kyrgios is playing at the 2022 Japan Open, where he will be playing in the semi-finals of the doubles tournament, once again proving his qualities on the doubles court.
However, since not so many singles players compete in doubles anymore, Kyrgios was asked about his intentions while competing at the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo.
He admitted that there are multiple reasons why he wants to play doubles. For him, singles tennis is very stressful, and spending time on the doubles court with his good friend brings him back to the fun element of playing tennis.
"Tennis is stressful as hell in singles. You try to hold yourself in such high accountability every single time, and you could be out here for three hours, and it’s exhausting and so serious. Playing doubles with Thanasi brings that fun element back."
At the same time, tennis is a job for Kyrgios. That means that by playing doubles, he earns more money, which, ultimately, is one of his goals as a professional tennis player.
"But at the same time, it’s my job. I need to make money, and that’s how I do it, so I play both events."
