Kyrgios: Scheduling solution can deliver grand slams

The Australian reached a career-high ranking of 13 in the world after winning the Tokyo Open in October, his third title of the year.

Published : Dec 24, 2016 21:40 IST

Australian Nick Kyrgios says he is hopeful of a good performance at the Australian Open.
Australian Nick Kyrgios says he is hopeful of a good performance at the Australian Open.
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Australian Nick Kyrgios says he is hopeful of a good performance at the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios says learning the lessons of a tumultuous 2016 could help him win the Australian Open next year.

The Australian reached a career-high ranking of 13 in the world after winning the Tokyo Open in October, his third title of the year.

Just three days after beating David Goffin in the final in Japan, however, Kyrgios went into meltdown at the Shanghai Open, tanking in his second-round match against Mischa Zverev and admitting afterwards that he had "tapped out".

Kyrgios was also remarkably candid after a below-par performance against Andy Murray at Wimbledon, after which he openly questioned his own preparations, which had included more video games than practice sessions.

Having been hit with a three-week ban that ended his year prematurely, Kyrgios put his performance in China down to burnout and he says a more carefully managed schedule could unlock his potential in 2017.

"Shanghai was just the end of a very long and draining season for me," Kyrgios told Australian media.

"It doesn't excuse it, but after the high of Tokyo, I knew I would experience a low and I was running on empty.

"Mix all those factors in and it was just a recipe for disaster.

"I hold my hands up, and I have apologised and I do apologise to the Tour, the people and fans and Shanghai and the people at home who tuned in to watch me.

"It's something I've learned from for sure and something I will need to get used to as I am going to win a lot of tournaments over my career and it would be nice to win back to back events, too.

"It's no secret I hate being away from Australia, my friends and family. Part of my issues when they've occurred have been on the back end of long trips away, and I'll be tailoring my schedule to make sure I can get back to home or be around friends and family more."

On his expectations at Melbourne Park, Kyrgios added: "Never say never. Someone has to win it and I am more than capable.

"Will I? I don't know. But will I slog my guts out trying to? Without a doubt.

"The added media interest is never easy and it's something that I haven't fully got my head around or got used to, but what can I do?

"As far as how I'll deal with it, I'll just keep my head down and go about my business as I have done the past few Aussie summers."

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