‘No Roger Federer Was Not My Childhood Idol,' Says Aussie Star Nick Kyrgios

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has said Roger Federer is not his childhood hero but the Swiss Maestro is like a “great role model.”

Krygios, who has never hesitated to express that he is a huge fan of Federer, first played against the 20-time Grand Slam winner was back in 2015 at ATP 1000 event, Madrid Open. Kyrgios defeated Federer in three sets and showed he could be the next big name in tennis.

Even though Federer went on to defeat the newcomer in the next six occasions, Kyrgios had made a name for himself for creating upsets. Even though Kyrgios has not lived up to his potential as yet, he sure has had his moments against the Big Three.

In 2017, Federer and Kyrgios played the ATP Match of the Year in Miami where Federer saved set points and Kyrgios saved match points, but after three hours and 11 minutes, it was the senior player who eventually sealed the game and progressed into the final with a 7-6(9), 6-7(9), 7-6(5) triumph.

In an interview, when Kyrgios was asked if Federer was his childhood hero, the Aussie replied, "He wasn’t my childhood idol. Out of the tennis players, my idols were probably Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, but Roger, he’s a great role model. My inspiration for idols, I had one growing up, Roger. He is everyone’s art of inspiration while growing up.”

“With one person with whom I can model my game is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. I loved the way he played, he loved to entertain. I emulate my game around him, big serves and forehands. And our game styles are very similar. I played him once at the Australian Open and it was a pretty special feeling."

"I beat him, but I was still looking at someone that I looked up to. Playing Jo, I was obviously very nervous. He was a guy I looked up to as a kid. Still do,” Kyrgios said. “When I saw him out here I was so nervous. No joke. People think I’m cool, but I wanted him to think I was the coolest person ever,” Kyrgios, who has won six ATP singles titles, further added.

Currently, all the ATP and WTA events are halted due to the coronavirus crisis. The worst news in tennis came recently when the All England Club announced that Wimbledon has been canceled this year.