‘It broke my heart seeing that’: Kyrgios reacts to Nadal’s Australian Open withdrawal
Nick Kyrgios says he empathises with Spanish legend Rafael Nadal amid his own fears of “going out of the sport not on your terms”.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Nick Kyrgios says it broke his heart to see Rafael Nadal withdraw from the Australian Open.
The Aussie star who is himself out again through injury, said he empathises with the Spanish legend.
“I know how hard he would have worked in the last year getting healthy,” Kyrgios said.
“He wants to just play grand slams. That’s always been my fear is going out of the sport not on your terms where your body starts to tell you you’re maybe past it. And Rafa is someone who is so important to the sport and it just takes time. It broke my heart seeing that.”
Kyrgios stepped out Thursday for a game of pickle ball on the QT Rooftop alongside Naomi Osaka and Frances Tiafoe.
He said his wrist injury was healing well.
“I’ve been in the gym every day and when you’re injured people think you don’t do anything,” he said.
“I’m really excited and doing plenty of things off court, the positive is I can have a drink now and enjoy places like the QT Rooftop.”
Osaka, back after the birth of her daughter last year, is here with a big entourage but said it was too far for the baby to travel.
“I’ve been sleeping more since I’ve been here but for the most part we’re learning together,” she said.
“I have so many good memories and I like to walk around and see the sights.
“I don’t hate it (when asked about being a mum). For me I feel like when someone asks me a question it makes me think about my daughter, so I don’t mind it.”
Wawrinka backs de Minaur for success
Tennis champion Stan Wawrinka has backed Aussie ace Alex de Minaur to keep improving and achieve ultimate success.
The Swiss three-time grand slam winner said cracking the top 10 for the first time would give de Minaur a huge confidence boost before his home crowd.
“He’s a really nice guy, we’ve been practicing a lot together the last few years,’’ Wawrinka said.
“He’s a super nice guy and amazing champion and I’m super happy for him he’s been in top 10 for first time. His home grand slam, it will be special for him that’s for sure, and hopefully he can keep pushing his limit and going higher.
“Of course there’s the potential (to win a grand slam). He’s really young and he has plenty of time to keep pushing.”
Wawrinka, who won his first grand slam here 10 years ago, said it was always special coming back to Melbourne.
The 38 year-old launched Piper-Heidsieck’s new Le Kiosque, a grab-and-go champagne bar in Garden Square. He feels there’s much to celebrate as a professional tennis player.
“I think about the past but if you want to keep pushing yourself and your limits you need to live in the present,’’ he said.
“I’m happy with where I am right now. I finish top 50 so hopefully I can keep pushing myself. My goal is as long as I feel competitive and feel I can beat them (top players) … hopefully I can do better than I did last year.
“I had chance to achieve so much in tennis, more than what I dream of when I was young. I’m still with a good raking and playing the grand slams and best tournaments in the world. I see more the positive way of getting older.”
Cher learns to ‘take the piss’ in hilarious Aussie TV campaign
Cher has turned back time in a cheeky ad campaign and the 78-year-old has hinted she may tour Down Under soon.
‘I would just cry in the car’: Ex-Cats star’s emotional confession
Former footy player Zach Tuohy says he used to be in tears on the way to training and says his mindset was “good for football but terrible in the real world”.