Nick Kyrgios has once again stirred the tennis world with candid remarks, revealing a long-held “tennis ick” for rival Rafael Nadal. The outspoken Australian recently confessed that he “used to hate and despise” the Spanish tennis icon, a sentiment that fueled his most intense performances on court.
The Genesis of the “Ick”
Kyrgios’s strong feelings towards Nadal, particularly during the earlier stages of their careers, stemmed from a unique source of frustration. He explained on the “Nothing Major” podcast that his animosity was amplified by the widespread admiration for Nadal in tennis academies back in Australia. While others revered Nadal’s relentless work ethic and discipline, Kyrgios found himself thinking, “I can’t stand this guy.” His desire was to prove that a more “chilled” and fun-loving approach could still lead to victory against such a lauded figure.
This underlying tension, according to Kyrgios, was a powerful motivator. “He was probably one guy that always motivated me,” Kyrgios admitted, noting that facing Nadal pushed him to play his best tennis, a feeling he didn’t experience to the same extent with other top players like Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic.
A Rivalry Defined by Sparks On and Off Court
The Kyrgios-Nadal rivalry has long been characterized by dramatic on-court clashes and pointed exchanges. Their nine career meetings saw Nadal win six, but Kyrgios secured notable victories at Wimbledon in 2014, Cincinnati in 2017, and Acapulco in 2019. It was often the off-court commentary, however, that added a unique layer of intrigue.
Memorable incidents include Kyrgios famously hitting a forehand directly at Nadal during their heated 2019 Wimbledon match, a move he later refused to apologize for, stating, “I was going for him. Yeah, I wanted to hit him square in the chest.” He also utilized an underarm serve against Nadal in Acapulco, which prompted Nadal to criticize Kyrgios’s perceived “lack of respect for the public, the rival and himself.”
In a more lighthearted, albeit mischievous, revelation, Kyrgios also confessed to forging Nadal’s signature to charge thousands of pounds in room service to Nadal’s hotel bill after a loss at the 2017 China Open.
Evolution of Sentiment
Despite the fiery history, Kyrgios’s feelings towards Nadal appear to have evolved. While the initial “ick” was potent, a shift became evident with Nadal’s recent retirement. Kyrgios expressed genuine emotion watching Nadal’s farewell at the Davis Cup Finals, admitting he “got a bit emotional for him.” He also posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying he would miss their encounters and acknowledging Nadal as a motivation and inspiration.
More recently, Kyrgios has offered his perspective on the retirements of Nadal and Andy Murray, stating that he does not wish to “crawl to the finish line” of his career due to injuries, a comment that drew some criticism from tennis enthusiasts. This highlights his continued outspoken nature, even as his personal sentiments towards his former rival seemingly soften. The complex dynamic between Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal, marked by fierce competition and evolving personal views, continues to be a compelling narrative in the world of tennis.
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