I lost motivation after grandfather died, says emotional Kyrgios | Inquirer Sports

I lost motivation after grandfather died, says emotional Kyrgios

/ 03:22 PM June 02, 2017

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios returns the ball to South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their tennis match at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open on June 1, 2017 in Paris. / AFP PHOTO / Thomas SAMSON

Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios admitted that the death of his beloved grandfather made him fall out of love with tennis.

The 22-year-old, who tumbled out of the French Open on Thursday, losing 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 to big-serving Kevin Anderson of South Africa, was on the brink of tears when asked to recall memories of Christos Kyrgios who passed away in April after a long battle with cancer.

Article continues after this advertisement

The family tragedy forced Kyrgios to dash back home, cancelling the start of his claycourt season in Estoril before jetting pack to Europe in the build-up to Roland Garros.

FEATURED STORIES

“After my grandpa’s passing, I just lost a lot of motivation to do anything really,” said Kyrgios whose frustration boiled over as he slid to defeat, smashing a racquet on a courtside chair and picking up a penalty point for his troubles.

When he was asked to talk about his relationship with his grandfather Kyrgios was on the verge of tears and called a swift halt to his press conference.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It was tough back home. I can’t talk about it, I can’t,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, Kyrgios brushed off his spectacular racquet demolition, insisting that was part of the whole package — like it or not.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I don’t know if that’s the best role model you want,” he said.

“But I’m not trying to show anybody my frustration. I just do it for myself. I’ve been doing it my whole career. It’s just a habit now.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Anderson, meanwhile, said he was able to take advantage of Kyrgios’s meltdown to record his second win in two meetings with the Australian, having also come back from a set down to win in Chengdu, China last year.

“I was in his head after winning that second set,” admitted Anderson.

“He was struggling with his own battles, I didn’t give him a way to get back in the match. So it’s something that I knew I needed to do, and I thought I was able to execute that very well today.”

Anderson, ranked at 56 in the world, made the most of the 18th-seeded Australian’s 42 unforced errors to progress to the third round where he will face Britain’s Kyle Edmund.

Anderson has gone as far as the fourth round in Paris in 2013 and 2014.

“I feel like each week I’m playing better and better tennis,” said the South African.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“My body feels really strong and healthy, which is the biggest focus.”

TAGS: grandfather, Kyrgios

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.