Kyrgios: I don’t really dislike Nadal
Nick Kyrgios has hosed down talk of a rivalry between himself and Rafael Nadal as he prepares to face the world No 1 at Rod Laver Arena today.
Kyrgios claimed a five-set thriller against Russian rising star Karen Khachanov on Saturday night 6-2 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (8-6) 6-7 (9-7) 7-6 (10-8) in the longest match of his career — a four hour and 26 minute classic – to progress to the fourth round, where he will face the Spanish superstar.
The pair have traded verbal barbs in the past 12 months, but Kyrgios said that was water under the bridge when he fronted the media in the early hours of yesterday morning.
‘‘I don’t really know Rafa. I’ve never, like, hung out with him or anything like that. So I don’t really know how he is. I don’t really dislike him. I never said . . . I mean, I don’t know him at all,’’ Kyrgios said.
‘‘Hell of a tennis player. Don’t know him as a person. I’m sure he’s OK.’’
When questioned about comments Kyrgios made last year – when he labelled Nadal ‘‘super salty’’ – the 24-year-old said he has nothing but respect for the 19-time grand slam winner.
‘‘Last time I played him was at Wimbledon. We had a pretty good match, 7-6 in the fourth set. At the end of the day, we’re two different tennis players. We go about it completely different,’’ he said.
‘‘After Wimbledon, I lost, I got beaten by the better player. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye, and said, ‘Too good’.
‘‘Regardless, if we don’t like
each other or whatever, I think there’s a layer of respect.
‘‘He’s one of the greatest of all time. I also read that he thinks I’m good for the sport.
‘‘There’s a layer of respect that we both have for each other. Doesn’t necessarily mean we like each other, but . . . we’re going to go out there and give contrasting styles and personalities.’’
Nadal may have claimed the last clash between the pair but on hardcourt, Kyrgios has a 2-1 headto-head advantage.
The reason for that, in Kyrgios’ mind, is his aptitude against left handed players.
‘‘Ever since juniors I enjoyed playing lefties. I feel like I kind of know what game plan I need to bring to be successful against them,’’ he said.
‘‘I mean, Rafa is a different beast altogether. I mean, I kind of know his patterns. Everyone knows his patterns, can’t do anything about it. Federer knows his patterns. Everyone knows his patterns. He executes them at the highest level.
‘‘But I’m not even thinking about the match, to be honest. I mean, tonight’s match hasn’t even sunk in. I’m still dealing with a bunch of emotions. I just like playing lefties.’’
Kyrgios said he will spend Sunday (yesterday) recovering before facing Nadal.
‘‘I’m super excited, honestly. Playing one of the greatest tennis players on centre court at your own slam, it’s pretty damn cool,’’ he said.
‘‘Yeah, I’ve got a lot of time between now and then. Obviously it’s going to be another physical battle. Nothing comes easy with him. He had a relatively routine match today, so he’s going to be feeling good.