Cautious Kyrgios tamps down Wimbledon hopes

Nick Kyrgios enters Wimbledon with few expectations as the 2022 finalist prepares for Monday’s start of play with one grass-court match under his belt.

The controversial Australian has been sidelined for months with a knee injury which required surgical interventions in January on the eve of the Australian Open.

The 28-year-old is going into this edition stone-cold and remains more than a bit pessimistic about any outside chances at the upcoming edition.

” I don’t miss the sport at all, to be fair. I was almost dreading coming back a little bit. But it’s my job,” the No. 39 said.

“It’s been brutal because everyone is expecting you to be the same player that I was straightaway. That’s been really hard.

“I played a couple weeks ago in Stuttgart – I lost and the criticism was enormous. My first match back, it was hard to kind of just be the same player that I was.

“I’m trying to expect the same sort of tennis that I was playing last year, and I don’t think that’s fair at the moment.”

Kyrgios said he’s done all he can to be ready.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to try and play this tournament. I’m super excited to be here again and see how it goes.

“There are still some question marks, for sure. I mean, obviously five-set tennis is a completely different base.

“Last year I probably had the most ideal preparation possible (two grass semi-finals). It couldn’t be any different this year.

“But I’m not going to discredit the work I’ve put in for the last six months just trying to maintain my fitness, get back on court.

“I’m going to take it one day at a time. I’m not going to look forward and put unfair expectations on myself.”

Kyrgios will take the first step when he begins against David Goffin in the first round. And the Aussie is not taking his opponent lightly.

“He’s someone who made the quarter-finals last year. He knows how to win tennis matches. 

“That’s all I’m focusing on at the moment, not so much what I did last year or what people want me to achieve this year.”

Main photo:- Losing Wimbledon 2022 finalist Nick Kyrgios by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd