Kyrgios discusses retirement plans and mental health insights in 2024
- Nick Kyrgios discussed his struggles with mental health and alcohol abuse, revealing he once drank 20 to 30 drinks in a night.
- He expressed a desire to retire more gracefully than Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, emphasizing that he does not want to undermine his significant achievements.
- Kyrgios believes he has worked hard despite perceptions of underachievement in tennis and aims to prioritize his mental well-being moving forward.
In a candid conversation on The Louis Theroux Podcast, held recently in October 2024, Nick Kyrgios shared insightful reflections about his experiences with mental health issues and substance abuse. The Australian tennis star disclosed troubling details about his past, revealing that during a particularly dark period in 2019, he struggled with excessive drinking habits, consuming up to 30 drinks in a single night. This personal turmoil significantly impacted his mental state, making it challenging for him to take a step back and focus on recovery. Kyrgios also conveyed his aspirations for a more dignified retirement, drawing comparisons to the exits of Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. He articulated his desire to avoid a scenario where he simply 'crawls to the finish line,' indicating his respect for the achievements of his peers while emphasizing the physical toll their careers had taken on them. Despite ongoing injury challenges that have limited his match play since October 2022, Kyrgios remains adamant about his dedication to the sport. He firmly believes in the hard work he has put into his career, countering narratives of underachievement. He feels prepared to compete at a high level but is cautious about his return to a sporting world that may not readily understand his circumstances. Through openness about his struggles and aspirations, Kyrgios is striving to reshape both his future in tennis and his approach to mental health, aiming for a healthier and more balanced life beyond the sport.