Nick Kyrgios has won his first singles title since 2019, beating Yoshihito Nishioka in the final of the Citi Open in Washington.
Kyrgios was clinical as he charged to a 6-4 6-3 victory on Monday morning (AEST). It’s his seventh career title and first singles triumph since he held the trophy aloft at this same tournament three years ago.
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The Australian star appeared overcome with emotion as he slumped to his back on the baseline after sealing victory.
He also needed another moment as he sunk to his haunches to soak up his victory.
Speaking after the match, Kyrgios said the emotion came out of the “dark places” he’s had to go through in his tennis career.
“It was emotional for me to see where I was last year to now, it’s an incredible transformation,” Kyrgios said. “I just came out with great energy because I knew I had the experience on my side today.
“I love this court, I played so many good matches here. I’m just really happy with myself.
“I’ve been in some really dark places and just to be able to turn it around…
“There’s so many people who have helped me get there but myself, I’ve shown some serious strength to just continue and just persevere and get through those really tough times and still be able to perform in tournaments like this one.”
Last year, Kyrgios was dumped out in the first round of the Citi Open by Mackenzie McDonald and the Aussie said he had lost his competitive edge.
“I know that I’m going to be dealing with a lot of s**t now on social media. Like, my head’s in the shed, to be honest,” he said. “I don’t know, I didn’t play great.”
Kyrgios has battled depression in the past, admitting after his Australian Open doubles triumph with Thanasi Kokkinakis that he had self-harmed.
The Canberran revealed he had battled “suicidal thoughts” as well as feeling “lonely, depressed, negative, abusing alcohol, drugs, pushed away family & friends”.
A year on from his 2021 Citi Open admission, Kyrgios is playing some of the best tennis of his career and is fresh off his first grand slam final at Wimbledon
He’s also shared marriage and family plans with his partner Costen Hatzi.
Kyrgios now has a 4-0 record against Nishioka and had nothing but compliments for his vanquished rival.
“He’s a tricky opponent and he deserves every minute of celebrating getting into his first 500 final,” Kyrgios said.
“That was insane, the players he beat to get there were not easy at all, so I have to give him high praise.”
Later, Kyrgios joked: “We’ve known each other since 14 and you’ve grown into being a hell of a player so I hope you continue to play and achieve many more finals — and let’s keep the record the same.”
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