Nick Kyrgios praises new ‘weapon’ behind best year yet ahead of 2023

Nick Kyrgios's mum says it's been a 'tough year' for star

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Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios has credited girlfriend Costeen Hatzi as the ‘secret weapon’ behind his whirlwind success in 2022. The pair went public with their relationship in December 2021, shortly before the tennis star embarked upon the best year of his career to date.

Kyrgios, 27, started 2022 by lifting the Australian Open doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, then made his major singles debut final at Wimbledon in July. He also ended his three-year wait for an ATP Tour title by winning the Citi Open in Washington, where he also clinched the doubles trophy alongside American Jack Sock.

It’s not just life on the court that’s taken a turn for the better. In fact, it’s Kyrgios’ more stable outlook in his personal life that’s given him a firmer foundation to focus on his tennis career.

“It’s been a very successful year, not only on the tennis court but just in general. I’m feeling really, really good about everything and just enjoying life,” said the Australian, per the Daily Mail. “And meeting Costeen was probably my favourite moment, probably the best thing that’s happened to me – and the year I’ve had as a highly motivated and highly pushed player, has been because of her. That’s been my favourite experience.

“I just feel happier off the court, really just trying to be happy off the court – and that shows up on the court too. She’s just the best thing ever and just makes me feel amazing, believes in my tennis and believes in me off the court too. We have such a good relationship.”

Kyrgios agreed it would be fair to recognise Hatzi as the ‘secret weapon’ behind his 2022 rise. “None of this [recent success] could have been done without her,” he said.

Despite the upturn in on-court results, Kyrgios recently worried some of his fans after revealing he’s “not looking forward” to January’s Australian Open having suffered from exhaustion.

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Newfound success in 2022 has brought with it added attention and commitments in a period of his life that’s required a great deal of adjustment.

Kyrgios has even gone so far as to suggest he may retire altogether if he were to win a singles major – with the Australian Open looming. However, he’d do so with a newly discovered sense of contentment thanks to to Hatzi.

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