HE’S one of the most-explosive characters in all of sport.
A once-in-a-generation talent, the big-hitting tennis star has been accused of wasting his undoubted potential in years gone by.
Alamy Live NewsOne of tennis’ most-naturally gifted talents beat Rafael Nadal en route to winning a tournament while admitted to drinking ‘five to six times a week’[/caption]
Recently, he’s shown signs of maturing and enjoyed his best year in 2022.
But now the man himself has admitted he was the “worst professional” at times in his career.
The player in question? None other than Nick Kyrgios.
The Australian ace, 27, has now revealed the extent of his off-court antics – including one particularly outrageous habit.
Kyrgios told Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast: “Three or four years ago I was drinking five or six times a week and still competing at the highest level which was really unhealthy.
“I would wake up and be playing Nadal in a few hours and it’s not sustainable.
“I won a tournament doing it.
“[Now] I have drinks on special occasions but it’s under control.
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The TimesNick Kyrgios has revealed he used to be the ‘worst professional’[/caption]
instagram/costeenhatziNick Kyrgios credits partner Costeen Hatzi with helping him mature[/caption]
“I’m turning 28, I was ready to move into a new stage of life.
“I pushed friends and family away when I was really struggling with drugs and alcohol.
“Isolation is the worst thing.”
Kyrgios has been very open about his mental health, including feeling “lonely, depressed and negative” as well as “abusing alcohol, drugs and pushing away family and friends” during his “darkest period” in 2019.
And on Paul‘s podcast, the Aussie admitted he was driven “crazy” after being accused of wasting his abundant talent by critics and “disrespectful fans”.
Kyrgios claimed: “I went crazy… it got into me too much.
“It all got brought on by the spotlight.
“It all happened overnight when I beat Nadal [in 2014].
“Tennis is massive in Australia. It was a lot, especially for my personality.
“I don’t like the attention that much, I think it’s stupid when people want photos, I don’t get it.
“Australian fans are pretty disrespectful at times. They’ve got no shame.”
Kyrgios has struggled with comments from outside influences throughout his career – long before he hit the big time.
He revealed he was told he’d never make it a pro due to his weight.
Looking back, Kyrgios opened up: “I was a big boy, I was fat.
“If you tried my mum and dad’s food, you’d understand – Greek and Malaysian.
“I was pretty heavy and was told I wouldn’t make it because of my weight.
“I was winning on court and it was hard dealing with those insecurities.
“[But now] I can show young kids and say, ‘Look at me.’”
Nick Kyrgios has thanked partner Costeen Hatzi for helping get his act togetherGetty Images – Getty
Kyrgios went on to say his life has been immeasurably improved by partner Costeen Hatzi.
The hothead enjoyed his best season ever in 2022, even reaching the Wimbledon final – winning the first set, before ultimately losing to Novak Djokovic.
And he thanked Costeen, saying: “She’s definitely played a part [in me getting my act together].
“I don’t think I listen to her but she gave me confidence.”