“Don’t Really Care What Others Think”: Nick Kyrgios Proud to be Known as Dennis Rodman of Tennis

Maverick Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who has been off tennis since making a third-round exit at Melbourne Park this year, has finally opened up on his return to the Tour.

Currently at 56th in singles rankings, Kyrgios will make his first tournament appearance since the Australian Open at the Mallorca Championships ATP 250, which will open on June 20 and end on June 26.

The beefy Canberra lad will then travel for the Queens ATP 500 to launch his grass court season before marking his Grand Slam return at Wimbledon.

Nick Kyrgios says he is super excited to be returning to action

Kyrgios had earlier withdrawn from this year’s French Open.

Sharing his thoughts on his return, the Aussie said that he is “super excited” and does not “really care what others think”, adding, “I play the way I want to play”.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Kyrgios said, “(I possess the) athlete belief. Whenever I go into something, I believe I am the best even though I am not.”

Reminded of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s remark, calling him the “Dennis Rodman of Tennis”, the Aussie said he would gladly die with that tag.

“When I first think of Rodman (NBA legend), I think of someone that is completely comfortable in his own skin, who played the game he wanted and didn’t really care what others thought,” Kyrgios said.

He added that he has always played the sport on his terms, never caring what others have to say about it. “That is how I feel I go about my tennis career, I don’t really care what others think and I play the way I want to play. I am super excited to get back there,” he added.

Kyrgios says he has had enough rest and recreation

Returning to action at the Australian Open after a long spell in the sidelines to recover from depression, Kyrgios blew a two-set lead to go down to reigning US Open champion Dominic Thiem in the third round.

Read More: Nick Kyrgios Sends Out Another Motivational Message, Asks Fans to Accept Failure

He said that he has been traveling with his “best friend and girlfriend,” has had plenty of rest and recreation, and can’t wait to get back to action. “I am traveling with my best friend and girlfriend. I think now is my time to play. I’ve had time to rest, regroup and see my family so now it is time to do what I do best,” Kyrgios said.

While away from tennis, the Aussie has been posting motivational messages for his social media followers, advising them to accept failure and not be weighed down by negativity.