“One Person With Whom I Can Model My Game is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga” – Nick Kyrgios
Follow Us
The tennis world knows that the Aussie tennis player Nick Kyrgios is a die-hard Roger Federer fan. Recently, at Australian Open 2020, during his mixed doubles match, Kyrgios was more interested to know about Federer’s quarterfinal match.
In the middle of his match, Nick was asking the chair umpire about Federer’s match updates. But in an interview, Kyrgios was asked if Federer was his childhood idol, he said: “He’s wasn’t my childhood idol. Out of the tennis players, my idols were probably Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, but Roger, he’s a great role model.”
Nick Kyrgios has deep-rooted respect and admiration from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He idolized the Frenchman while growing up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“My inspiration for idols, I had one growing up, Roger. He is everyone’s art of inspiration while growing up. With one person with whom I can model my game is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. I loved the way he played, he loved to entertain,” Nick Kyrgios said.
“I emulate my game around him” – Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios believes that his big serves, hefty forehands and entertaining part of his part of the game are developed by looking up to the Frenchman.
They last played each other in the second round of Australian Open 2018, and the heated Australian beat his idol 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Where Is Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard Now? Everything to Know about His Whereabouts
April 25, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I emulate my game around him, big serves and forehands. And our game styles are very similar. I played him once at the Australian Open and it was a pretty special feeling. I beat him, but I was still looking at someone that I looked up to.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
"That's one of the best wins of his career."
[17] @NickKyrgios reels off five points in a row in the deciding set tie-break to defeat [15] Jo-Wilfred #Tsonga and progress to the 4R!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Oiihmmr602— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2018
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That day, in Melbourne, playing against his childhood idol wasn’t an easy task for Kyrgios. He was extremely tense before facing the 15th seed Tsonga.
“Playing Jo, I was obviously very nervous. He was a guy I looked up to as a kid. Still do,” Kyrgios said. “When I saw him out here I was so nervous. No joke. People think I’m cool, but I wanted him to think I was the coolest person ever.”