>
When Nick Kyrgios reflects on why 2022 turned out to be the year he rocketed from Grand Slam to Wimbledon finalist, he doesn’t hesitate to point to a ‘secret weapon’ behind the rise.
“None of this could have been done without her,” he explains, reflecting on his meeting with his girlfriend, Costeen Hatzi, who Kyrgios says transformed his life on and off the pitch in 2022.
The pair met late last year, a relationship straight out of the social media era that began when Kyrgios spotted Hatzi on Instagram, messaged her about buying a mirror from her small business, and later met up with her. .
Nick Kyrgios has hailed girlfriend Costeen Hatzi as the ‘secret weapon’ behind his breakout year
Apparently, he was already in love.
But he couldn’t have imagined how his new girlfriend would end up changing his approach to life and tennis.
It has been a very successful year, not just on the tennis court but in general. I feel very, very good about everything and I just enjoy life, ”he says.
“And meeting Costeen was probably my favorite moment, probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and the year that I’ve had as a highly motivated and pressured player has been because of her.” That has been my favorite experience.
Kyrgios went from tennis flop to global superstar after an excellent year
He met his girlfriend Hatzi when he wanted to buy an Instagram mirror last year.
“I just feel happier off the court, I really just try to be happy off the court, and it shows on the court as well.”
“She is the best in the world and she makes me feel amazing, she believes in my tennis and she believes in me off the court as well.” We have such a good relationship.
Hatzi has become Kyrgios’ rock, following him to every tournament, backing him in training and showing his constant support, even receiving a wild card on court at Melbourne Park after he won the Australian Open doubles earlier in the year. .
When asked if she felt she was the secret weapon of ‘Team Kyrgios’, she had no doubts. ‘That’s all, that’s all,’ she said.
Speaking at the Diriyah Cup in Saudi Arabia, where his presence at the invitational event for a fistful of dollars after showing no interest in competing in the Davis Cup for Australia a couple of weeks earlier caused something of a stir, Kyrgios sounded as if any ruckus just wash it right now.
The 21-year-old has followed Kyrgios around the world, supporting him at his tournaments.
She was the cornerstone of Kygios’ extraordinary journey at Wimbledon this year.
Hazi and Kyrgios share a kiss after the Australian won the Washington Open in August
“I don’t really care if the perception of me has changed this year, to be honest,” he said.
‘Either way, I know I’ve stayed true to myself… I play the game the way I want to play it.
And whatever people say, my stadiums are always full.
“A lot of people have leaned towards my brand of tennis, I’ve been kind of an icon in the sport and obviously I’ve been able to be consistent in 2022.
‘I guess you could say it was a great year.’
And could the next big breakthrough be that first Grand Slam singles triumph, perhaps even in Melbourne next month?
“Nothing is guaranteed,” he said, when asked about his gut feeling about his chances in the 2023 Grand Slam opener.
“I am training well, enjoying it, mentally I feel good. That’s all that really matters.
Kyrgios said that Hatzi is “the best thing in the world and she makes me feel amazing.”
The Sydney native has provided much-needed balance for Kyrgios off the pitch.
‘Whether I go in there and win the tournament or lose the first round, I’m the same person.
“I’m taking it day by day, I’m a day to day person. I’m not thinking about the future at all.
Still, though, he’s confident his best chance in 2023 lies on the grass of Wimbledon.
‘Of course, of the four (Grand Slams) Wimbledon has always been my first chance to win a Grand Slam.
“It’s still true that it’s my best opportunity, definitely, it’s the biggest and the most important.”
Now, Kyrgios hopes to go one step further and win at Wimbledon next year.
In Saudi Arabia, Kyrgios seemed extraordinarily relaxed at the end of a year in which he has shown the best of the tennis world.
But when asked by reporters if he was still sticking to his career plan of retiring before his 30th birthday in 2025, Kyrgios reflected: “I wanted to have a family by then and enjoy family time and enjoy all the hard work I’ve done. done”.
So if I have a couple more years like this, I think I’d say goodbye. But that’s still two and a half years away, so let’s see.
And how do you imagine the life of Kyrgios, 37, in 10 years?
“Big family… four, five kids… smoking a big joint in the Bahamas… maybe fishing,” he smiled.
Although I will not work. I’m working hard enough now, in 10 years I won’t be.’
Until then, it’s unlikely there will be a dull moment with Kyrgios around.