‘Bigger than tennis’: Nick Kyrgios breaks down in tears after ATP Cup victory

Nick Kyrgios broke down in tears after his opening win at the ATP Cup while discussing the devastating Australian bushfires.

An emotional Nick Kyrgios broke down following his ATP Cup victory on Friday.

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios broke down in tears discussing the horrific Australian bushfires after a stellar victory on Friday evening.

Kyrgios won Australia’s opening match of the ATP Cup against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets (6-4, 7-6), giving Australia an early 1-0 lead at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane before the Aussies finished the tie as 3-0 winners.

During the post-match interview, the former world number 13 was visibly emotional as he lamented the devastating bushfires which have claimed 18 lives across the country.

“I don’t really care about the praise too much. We’ve got the ability and the platform to do something. My home town is Canberra and we’ve got the most toxic air in the world at the moment, that’s pretty sad. It’s tough. Sorry,” Kyrgios said through tears.

“It’s all going to all the families, firefighters, animals, everyone who is losing homes, losing families … it’s a real thing. It’s bigger than tennis.”

Kyrgios added: “It’s tough to go out there and concentrate on tennis, to be honest. Every ace I was hitting that’s all I was thinking about. Every time I stepped up to the line that’s all I was thinking about.”

Nick Kyrgios crying on court when asked about what Australia is going trough atm.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 3, 2020

It’s a strange world when Nick Kyrgios shows more leadership than some politicians.

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) January 2, 2020

Earlier this week, Kyrgios promised to donate AU$200 to the bushfire appeal for every ace he achieved in the ATP Cup.

“I’m kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I’ll be donating $200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer,” tweeted the 24-year-old, who was handed a 16-week suspended ban in September after a series of outbursts.

Teammates Alex de Minaur and Sam Stosur followed suit, pledging their own commitment to help the cause.

I like this I will go $250 per ace, just because I don’t think I’ll be hitting as many aces as you mate. 😂😂😂 #dropthehammer https://t.co/SxMPs3XQud

— alex de minaur (@alexdeminaur) January 2, 2020

Nick Kyrgios sent down 20 aces against Jan-Lennard Struff on Friday.

Kyrgios managed 20 aces against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff during Friday’s 72-minute encounter, meaning his personal tally stands at $4000 after one match. He got off to the perfect start, kicking off his tournament with a powerful ace.

The 24-year-old’s serving proved a dangerous weapon against Struff, maintaining a first serve success rate of 82 per cent in the opening set.

Kyrgios ended the match by winning a second set tiebreak, finishing with one final ace to push his tally up to $4000.

Australian Captain Lleyton Hewitt said Kyrgios had been in a good headspace since arriving for the first tournament of the summer.

“He put on a serving display, served fantastic,” Hewitt said of the world No. 30’s 20-ace effort.

“Struff’s not an easy player to play; he bided his time and played a great tiebreak to get out of it.”

Eight aces in the first set for Nick Kyrgios, raising $1,600.

Playing very well in Brisbane. Leads Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4.

— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) January 3, 2020

ATP Cup tournament director Tom Larner said $100 will be donated to the Australian Red Cross bushfire relief and recovery efforts for every ace served by any player and by the end of day one, $21,600 had been raised.

Tennis Australia announced a “Rally for Relief” exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Wednesday, January 15th ahead of the Australian Open, with “the world’s top players” taking part.