Australian star Nick Kyrgios paid a heartfelt tribute to deceased Basketball legend Kobe Bryant before his bout against Rafael Nadal. Nick turned out in a Lakers jersey and made for an emotional moment for millions of basketball fans.

Obviously, he was going to be asked questions about his conception of Kobe Bryant. Nick Kyrgios revealed how Kobe had been a motivating factor for him.

What Did Nick Kyrgios Say?

Nick had some heartwarming words for Kobe Bryant. Apparently, he has never met Kobe in his life. However, the Australian star identifies as a big basketball fan. This likens him to be a Kobe Bryant fanboy.

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“No, I never met Kobe. But basketball is practically my life. I’ve been following it for as long as I remember. So, obviously to wake up to the news was pretty emotional, it was pretty heavy. Like just all day, obviously I had basketball on at my house, watching the games, but it was just heavy.”

However, Nick Kyrgios revealed that Kobe’s death did not have a detrimental effect on him. In fact, it motivated him to play better.

“No, I mean if anything it motivated me today. If you look at the things he stood for and everything he wanted to be remembered by, I felt like it helped me tonight. When I got a break in the fourth, I was definitely thinking about it.”

Nick Kyrgios revealed that he identifies as a Celtics fan. So, he was always wary of how Kobe decimated his opposition.

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Talking about his match, Kyrgios put his heart into the match today. The Australian star was running toe to toe with Nadal until the very end. Rafa just showed the extra something required to get him over the mark in the tiebreaker.

However, things are not over for Nick in Australia. He is scheduled to take part in the mixed doubles with Amanda Anisimova.

How do you think Nick Kyrgios will fare in the mixed doubles?