Nick Kyrgios all set to achieve Davis Cup glory for Australia

09/12/2017

Nick Kyrgios has claimed that he is ready to give the fans a stunning performance at the Davis Cup after "finding love for the game again". The 22-year-old also heaped praise on captain Lleyton Hewitt for bringing out the best in him adding that he would "run through a brick wall for him".

Australia are going to play against Belgium, featuring the World Number 12 David Goffin, in the semi-final in Brussels this weekend and the Aussies are hoping to secure their first trip to the decider since their 2003 when they beat Spain. An injured Nick Kyrgios had to bow out of the opening round of the US Open along with a collection of fines, a broken racquet, and a tantrum, as his reputation as the most talented slacker of the tour looked to be secure.

After a disheartening defeat to fellow Australian John Millman at the U.S. Open, the 22-year-old started criticising himself and described his off-court regime which included milkshakes, ice creams, and walk-up basketball games.

"I'm not dedicated to the game at all," he had told reporters at Flushing Meadows.

"There are players out there that are more dedicated, that want to get better, that strive to get better every day, the one-percenters. I'm not that guy."

Moreover, following on his admissions of video game marathons at a previous tournament, his fans still had hopes that Kyrgios can get back down to business. In the Davis Cup, it appears that the 22-year-old might give his fans a full-blooded performance they desperately crave. Since Krgyios finds the team aspect of the competition better, he played a significant role in Australia's victory over the United States in the quarter-finals in April.

"Davis Cup has done wonders for me this year. It's really made me find that love again for just being with the guys and having some fun, knowing that tennis isn't all bad, knowing that you can have some fun with it," Kyrgios said.

The last time when Australia reached the final, the current team captain, Lleyton Hewitt was in his prime. The former world number 1 and an esteemed servant of Davis Cup, Hewitt has been accredited for bringing out the best in Kyrgios.

"'Rusty' (Hewitt) has helped me a lot," Kyrgios told Reuters reporters.

"I think he's the best captain we've ever had. I know that everyone on our team would run through a brick wall for him.

"To take home the trophy would be probably a dream come true for me."