Tennis: Nick Kyrgios wins first singles title since 2019 and the doubles in Washington as he continues march towards US Open

Nick Kyrgios had a day to remember in Washington as he broke a singles title drought and then added a second for good measure.

Nick Kyrgios has won the Citi Open in Washington, DC. Picture: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios is on track to secure an all-important seeding for the US Open this month after ending a three-year winning drought by taking out the singles crown t the Citi Open in Washington before winning the doubles as well.

The Australia’s 6-4, 6-3 win over Japan’s Nishioka in the singles was his seventh career title and his first title since 2019 when he also won in Washington.

Then just hours later Kyrgios completed the double by pairing with American Jack Sock to win the final in straight sets over Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek.

Kyrgios, the world No.63, hadn’t made a singles final for three years but has now been to two in a month, including his breakout run to his maiden grand slam title match at Wimbledon as he continues his march towards the US Open.

Title number 7 🙌

Massive stuff from @NickKyrgios this week!#CitiOpenpic.twitter.com/mFl8F8tT8X

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 7, 2022

That four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic at the All England Club remains the 27-year-old’s only loss in his past 12 matches since mid-June.

An emotional Kyrgios called his 2022 performances an “incredible transformation” after a going through some dark times in his career.

“I’ve been in some really dark places and just to be able to turn it around (is remarkable),” Kyrgios said.

“There’s so many people who have helped me get there but myself, I’ve shown some serious strength to just continue and persevere and get through all those times and be able to still perform and win tournaments like this one.

“It’s just very emotional for me. To see where I was at last year, to now it’s just an incredible transformation.”

Nick Kyrgios celebrates with his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi in Washington. Picture: Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFP

On his way to the title, Kyrgios took down American world No. 53 Marcos Giron and 14th seed Tommy Paul. He needed to finish off fourth seed Riley Opelka and 10th seed Frances Tiafoe on the same day before defeating Mikael Ymer in the semi-final.

His victory continued what could arguably be a career-best season for the Australian.

Including his runner-up finish at Wimbledon, Kyrgios has reached at least the semi-finals in five of his past six events.

Kyrgios doubles win also added to his Australian Open triumph with fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis in January.

After Washington, Kyrgios is scheduled to play in Montreal this week ahead of the start of the US Open on August 29.

Originally published as Tennis: Nick Kyrgios wins first singles title since 2019 and the doubles in Washington as he continues march towards US Open