Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, the ‘Special K’s’ for the Australian public, gave an interview to the Australian medium ABC to review how they experienced the tournament in which both were proclaimed champions in the men’s doubles after beating their compatriots Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden.
Kyrgios admitted that he had problems with the public during the tournament and that he doesn’t care how they see him or that he doesn’t want to be like Federer. “I feel like I’ve had some issues and some ups and downs with the Australian public. But to be honest, every day I look in the mirror and I know I feel comfortable under my skin. I don’t care if I don’t win a Grand Slam or if I don’t want to be like Roger Federer or something. Honestly, I don’t care how I’m seen because I know and the people around me know that I’m a caring person and I’m always myself.”
The Aussie also notes that in his opinion his behavior at the Australian Open was not that outrageous and warrants breaking rackets. “The media is always picky. I think my behavior at the Australian Open was Well, I didn’t go overboard with swearing or getting angry. I broke a racket in my match against the number two in the world. And I think frustration on the one hand is good. It shows that I care about the game and that I am angry with the way I am playing.”
Lastly, Kyrgios also underlines how he wants to be remembered. “I want to be remembered as more than just a tennis player. I would like to be remembered as an icon, someone who showed up and did things his way.