Nick Kyrgios determined to make the RIGHT kind of Wimbledon headlines after leaving ball girl in tears
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Nick Kyrgios has warned he is ready to cause “uproar” at Wimbledon — but there is no need to run for cover.
Tennis’ talented but temperamental wild child says he is now in a “happy place”, with his time on the sidelines this year battling a long-running elbow injury having helped refocus his mind.
Kyrgios claimed last week he hadn’t been fully fit for four-and-a-half months. But his time out has left the 15th seed determined to make headlines at Wimbledon for all the right reasons rather than the tantrums, tanking and fines he has become renowned for.
The 23-year-old Aussie cut a dejected figure as he limped out of Wimbledon last year after retiring from his first round match.
However, he has already gone one better this year after beating Uzbekistani Denis Istomin 7-6 7-6 6-7 6-3 on Tuesday in a four-set classic.
(Image: Reuters)
Kyrgios, who warmed up for Wimbledon by reaching the semis at Queens, said: “I’m just in a lot better place than I was last year. I came into Wimbledon last year injured, pretty bad mental state.
“I was out of the game for two and a half months so coming back, I’ve been excited. I’ve been winning a lot of matches, playing on grass.
“I guess I’m in kind of like a happy place. I feel like I’m playing well. I mean, I have a different approach. I feel like I’m one of the guys that can cause a bit of an uproar at this event. We’ll see how it goes.”
Of course, it is never totally plain-sailing for controversy-magnet Kyrgios.
And one of the Court 12 ball girls felt the full force of one of the booming 42 aces he smashed down against Istomin.
(Image: AFP/Getty)
She was left in tears after being accidentally struck by a thumping 138mph serve.
Kyrgios said: “It was tough. Originally when I heard the sound, I thought it hit the scoreboard. Then I realised it was her arm. It was tough. She started crying. It was tough. She took it like a champ, though. I would have been crying, for sure.
“I have not had a chance to see her after my match. I showered, got changed, stretched, then came here. I would hope that she’s all right. I’m assuming there would have been medical services there.”