“Never Going to Take For Granted”: Nick Kyrgios on Playing with Legends Like Venus Williams and Marcelo Rios

It is fair to say that tennis has witnessed an evolution in recent years. With the ‘Big three’ being constantly challenged on the court, a change has begun. And lying at the heart of this change is an Australian international whose tennis is most talked about today but yet not as much as his personality. 26-year-old Nick Kyrgios might surely be an antique on the court, but his reality paints a picture of nothing but humility.

Taking in the events of his career so far, Nick reflected upon his pairing with former World No. 1, Venus Williams, whilst also looking forward to his exhibition game against the legendary, ‘Chino’ Rios.

“Things I’m never going to take for granted”- Nick Kyrgios

The 2021 Wimbledon Championship will see the Australian sweat it out at the mixed-doubles event alongside his partner, Venus Williams. A dream come true, Nick talks about what it is like to team up with one of tennis’ all-time best.

“Every time I leave a court, now with Venus Williams, and soon against Marcelo Rios, these are things I’m never going to take for granted”, said Nick, referring to this exhibition match against, Marcelo Rio.

Read more: WATCH: Nick Kyrgios Does His Regular ‘Fans Embracing’ Ritual on Match Point at Wimbledon Championships 2021

Post his Wimbledon campaign, the youngster will travel to Chile to take on former World No. 1, Marcelo Rios, or famously called, ‘Chino’.

A true legend of the game, the veteran will face Nick in an exhibition match that promises nothing but pure entertainment. Looking forward to the clash, Nick said, “At the end of my career, I’m going to say that I’m lucky to have had these moments and I’ve earned the right to go out on the court and make people happy because that’s the style of tennis I like to play”. 

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Kyrgios has been impressive at Wimbledon

In his short, yet dramatically lived career so far, Nick has proved to be a people’s person. In fact, the Australian has often referred to himself as a showman on the court.

He is everything but your traditional tennis athlete. And it is these very quirks that offer him the privilege he’s so humbled by today.

All eyes now turn to the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. So far, the Australian has had two incredible encounters, coming out on top of both.

After back-to-back wins in the men’s singles, Nick will now be seen in the mixed-doubles event alongside the senior Williams. People wait to see how lethal the duo will be. Surely, a blend of traditional tennis and evolutionary tennis will be a treat to watch.