Nick Kyrgios admits he is ‘not professional’ enough to become a Grand Slam champion after Wimbledon defeat to Rafael Nadal
NICK KYRGIOS has admitted he "not professional" enough to become a Grand Slam champion.
The Australian, 24, is arguably better known for his antics during matches and in press conferences than the successes in his career.
He has won five ATP titles - most recently in Mexico in March, his first for 13 months - despite bursting on to the scene by stunning Nadal here at Wimbledon five years ago.
Since then he has also beaten Roger Federer and Andy Murray - while he has a 100 per cent record against Novak Djokovic.
But he caused controversy again yesterday during his match against Rafael Nadal - with the result an apparent sideshow.
The frustrating aspect for many is that it is clear to see how good he is when he actually puts his mind and focus on tennis.
Kyrgios said: "I know what I'm capable of. I'm a great tennis player, but I don't do the other stuff. I'm not the most professional guy. I won't train day in, day out. I won't show up every day.
"I've had a lot of fun. I know that I can bring a level. I haven't put in enough hours. I probably haven't trained enough. I don't have a coach. I haven't been doing enough gym.
I like the way I do things. At the end of the day, it's tennis, man. Is it really that important? For me it's not so important.
Nick Kyrgios
"I'm still going out there and able to bring a level that can compete with one of the world's best and have chances to the win the match. I'm very confident when I'm on the court.
"I like the way I do things. At the end of the day, it's tennis, man. Is it really that important? For me it's not so important.
"So there's a lot of things I need to improve on to get to that level that Rafa, Novak, Roger have been doing for so long. Just depends how bad I want it.
"At the moment I don't think I can contend for a Grand Slam."
Kyrgios epitomised his lack of dedication to his career by going to the pub until 11pm the night before his showdown on Centre Court.
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Despite showing plenty of terrific tennis in the match with his blistering serve, booming groundstrokes and deft touch around the net, the four-set thriller against Nadal will be remembered by many for the 'other stuff'.
That included the underarm serves, the arguing with the umpire he described as "horrendous" and "terrible" and most controversially of all, deliberately trying to hit his opponent.
