Nick Kyrgios has poured some of his tennis fortune into South East Australian basketball team Melbourne Phoenix, already planning a future beyond his tennis career.
The 27-year-old, who was runner-up to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last year, said he could even get involved with the Phoenix side if he feels up to it.
That could be wishful thinking on behalf of the long-time basketball fan, who still has tennis ambitions left, including the hope that he will be a serious contender for the trophy at the Australian Open in the next fortnight.
Kyrgios joins Los Angeles Clippers star John Wall and a number of former NBA players in investing in Phoenix, saying Thursday: “This is a great opportunity. Everyone knows my roots from basketball, so being part of the NBL, is a big move for me in my career.
“I think I already have some good relationships within this team. I’m one of the tennis players who doesn’t travel that often. I’m looking forward to being in Australia a bit more.”
He said he would be “very hands-on”, and it remains to be seen if he travels less for tennis, further reducing his tour commitments. Of the players ranked in the ATP top 25, Kyrgios is number 21, no one has played fewer tournaments in the past year than the 14 events Kyrgios has played in.
“A lot of things have happened to me at the moment and this is one of the biggest,” added Kyrgios. “My tennis career won’t last forever. I’ve been on tour for nine, 10 years and I feel like I’m building this platform to have these experiences and relationships, so I’ve got to use it while I can.
“I’ll do anything for the team. I’d go out, rebound, play with them. If my body’s up to it, I’ll go 100 percent.”
Last January, Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis roared to doubles glory in Melbourne, but this time Kyrgios is making singles a clear priority.
He will face Russian Roman Safiullin in the first round, after the draw was revealed on Thursday. Novak Djokovic is a potential quarter-final opponent.
“I’m one of the best players in the world, so I’m definitely going into the Australian Open, or any tournament, with confidence,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve shown I can go into a grand slam, and with the support of Phoenix and my team, and Australia on my back, I’m hoping it’s going to be a good few weeks.
“It’s a little different for me, to be one of the favorites. I’m usually a dark horse.
“This is the first time I’ve come into a slam feeling like I’m one of the guys who can really take the trophy and knock on the door. I usually have nothing to lose. [attitude]I only do one show, but I really have to find that balance in the next two weeks.
“Obviously I’m capable, but there are a lot more players in the draw who are as well.”
