Tennis is a sport that is often most accessible to those who have a strong, or at least stable, financial background. While many players have come from poverty, most players are those who have much fewer financial issues. Nick Kyrgios came from a background that did not threaten him with poverty but wasn’t worry-free either. Kyrgios recently went back to his roots to explain why he brings the ‘bad boy’ image to the privileged sport.
He recently appeared in an interview to talk about what he brings to the sport. His statement that he brings entertainment is corroborated by a former ATP star, who even went on to say Roger Federer was not entertaining to watch.
Nick Kyrgios elaborates on his style in the privileged sport
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sport is a form of entertainment for millions around the world. While most people tune in to sports to watch it for enjoyment, for the players it is the only means of livelihood. But still, tennis is a sport that is mostly accessible to those who have good financial backing. Nick Kyrgios is one player who is often shrouded in controversy because of his antics.
He recently revealed that he acts the way he does to bring about a different kind of entertainment in the privileged sport. “Tennis is kind of seen as this privileged, rich sport,” Kyrgios told Page Six. “Where someone like myself, I had absolutely nothing going on. I made it from concrete courts. . . I wanted to bring that street style, and show you can shake up any world you want to shake up.”
He added “Sport and entertainment are one. All the people that bought tickets. They want to come watch a show, and not just a tennis match. You have to give them a bit of theatrics and stuff. I think that’s what I am good at.”
Kyrgios has always talked about sports being entertainment and has formed his brand of tennis around that philosophy. It has worked out in his favor, as a former ATP player has said that he is the pinnacle of entertainment in tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Chilean player calls Kyrgios the best entertainer while snubbing Roger Federer
In an interview with ESPN, Chilean former world number one tennis player Marcelo Rios revealed who he believes is the most entertaining athlete. He also explained his decision and the purpose of engaging the fans while playing tennis. The 47-year-old former tennis player said that tennis icon Roger Federer isn’t particularly exciting and named Australian Bad Boy, Nick Kyrgios, and Fabio Fognini as the most entertaining tennis players.
Rios said that Federer plays with ease and intellect, which is often not entertaining. But with Fognini and Kyrgios, there is a high chance the two players will make a mess and leave a mess, which is fun to watch.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rios’ words have proved true to some extent, as Kyrgios has more fame than those who have won slams when he hasn’t even broken the top 10. Now, fans are only waiting to see the entertaining side again.
Watch This Story – Former World Champion Boxer Snubs Roger Federer Rafael Nadal to Give Novak Djokovic the Legend of Tennis Crown After His Magnificent Win at Australian Open
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.