Nick Kyrgios: 'Tennis can be so stressful in singles'

• Tennis News

Nick Kyrgios reached the quarterfinals of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships on Thursday with an example of confidence, coming back 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 over Poland's Kamil Majchrzak after one hour and 23 minutes of play.

In a fast-paced match, the Aussie imposed the game that has made him a candidate in any tournament on the calendar. The Australian unleashed his entire offensive arsenal to turn his tennis into something unattainable. On the fast surface of Tokyo, Kyrgios found a fertile ground to fire his serve without hesitation.

Nick racked up 22 aces and had an 84% effectiveness rate on his first serve (36/43), putting enormous pressure on Majchrzak's game. After losing a fleeting first sleeve of just 27 minutes, Kyrgios had the mission to turn an adverse match.

The Australian showed a patient spirit on the court to change the game plan and go on the attack on his rival to touch a hard-fought victory. "I started playing the right way, pressing with my first and second serve," acknowledged Nick, who needed less than an hour to settle the last two sets of the match.

"Trying to be more aggressive, looking for good serves. I tried to make him feel the power. [Majchrzak] is a top player, he has a good serve and his backhand is really good. He is a great competitor." Kyrgios faces an action-packed week in Tokyo, where he is top-seeded in doubles alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.

As reigning Australian Open champions in the sport, Nick balances both tables looking for a positive approach. "Tennis is very stressful in singles. Sometimes we are suffering for three hours on court. Playing doubles with Thanasi adds that fun factor." In one of his favorite events, Kyrgios is enjoying his stay in Japan to relax off the court." The Australian visited some sanctuaries in the Japanese capital and the city zoo, where he was able to observe panda bears in the short distance.

"Japan is a wonderful country, we have gone out to dinner every night."

Kyrgios liked playing doubles

Nick Kyrgios has had an eventful season so far. In a post-match press conference, Kyrgios delved into why he liked playing doubles and was candid enough to admit that he did so to earn money.

"Tennis can be so stressful in singles. Sometimes it's hell. You have to make an exhausting effort for a long time to maintain seriousness and concentration, you have a very high responsibility on the court. I want to compete well in singles and doubles, because I'm here to earn money, this is my job and that's why I compete in both modalities," he stated.