Nick Kyrgios: 'My life has honestly never been the same since...'

• Tennis News

Mats Wilander noted that he's not a big fan of racket-breaking players, but added that watching Nick Kyrgios break two rackets after a loss showed he really cares about the game. In the US Open quarterfinals, Kyrgios left the tournament after suffering a five-set loss to Karen Khachanov.

After shaking hands with Khachanov, Kyrgios smashed two rackets. "He has to earn respect in the locker room for being a competitor, a fighter, and that's what he did last night. He fought until the last point and showed that he is frustrated – yes, I don't like it when you break rackets, you know – but he showed that he cares now," Wilander told Eurosport.

Throughout the summer, Kyrgios seemed totally committed and dedicated to the game. Kyrgios may not have won Wimbledon or the US Open, but it was clear that he was giving his best every second during those two Grand Slam events.

Now, Wilander wants Kyrgios to keep the same focus and compete for the Australian Open title in January. "What I want to know is if he's going to be able to get up and practice, because I think in the last three months he's played so many games that he really hasn't had to practice.

And [McEnroe] would know because he's also played doubles. [Kyrgios] has played a lot of doubles, which is great practice for him. He now he can go home and put in two hours almost every day until the Australian Open starts and maybe go to the gym and keep him fit, because I would say he's in great shape and he's fought a lot.

Now we're putting pressure on him to come home and do it somehow," Wilander said.

Nick Kyrgios praises Costeen Hatzi

Nick Kyrgios recently took to social media to express his appreciation for his girlfriend, Costeen Hatzi.

"Dear Coz, what a journey we have been on already. My life has honestly never been the same since I've met you, you continue to make me smile and be everything I need in tough moments." Calling Hatzi his "best friend," Kyrgios further wrote: "There will always be struggle in life & I only ever want to ride the ups and downs with you.

We explore the world and continue to experience all the craziness out there but this is just a small reminder that I love you and you are my best friend." Nick fined $14,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.