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Nick Kyrgios said he badly wanted to get off to a good start in Washington as he was glad that he was able to close out Marcos Giron in straight sets. Kyrgios, who suffered a first round defeat in Washington last year, started his campaign at this year's tournament edition with a 6-3 6-2 win over Giron.
A year ago, Kyrgios was in a dark place and he didn't enjoy an impressive campaign in Washington. Now, 2019 Washington champion Kyrgios is feeling much better as he broke Giron a total of three times to seal a comfortable straight-set first round victory.
"I came out a bit slow, obviously very different conditions to Wimbledon," Kyrgios said after beating Giron, per the ATP website. "I think it was just a bit of nerves as well. I won the tournament in 2019. Seeing my name up on the stadium and then knowing I didn't play well here at all last year — I lost first round and I was just going through such a dark time in my life.
I'm just so happy to be here with my team, the love and support from the crowd. I'm just really happy to be out here playing some good tennis again."
Kyrgios gives credit to those close to him
Last week, Kyrgios and his close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis won the Atlanta Open doubles this week.
Now, Kyrgios is attempting to win the Washington doubles title with Jack Sock. Kyrgios says Kokkinakis and Sock are more than just doubles partners as he has also given credit to his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi, who has been accompanying him at tournaments throughout the year.
"Having guys like Jack and Thanasi, these guys are much more than friends for me," Kyrgios added. "They know I'd do anything for them. I've been there for them and they've been there for me. I can't give credit to those guys enough.
My girlfriend, my physio, my best friend. I can't give those guys enough credit because I really wouldn't be here without them."