Nick Kyrgios, Professional Tennis Player | Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson

Added: Oct 4, 2023

Kyrgios talks about the struggles he has faced as a tennis player, particularly being a person of color in a predominantly white sport. He has dealt with racism and discrimination throughout his career but remains resilient and focused on his game. He credits his parents for being his ultimate support system and guiding him through the challenges.

The conversation turns to Kyrgios' unique approach to the game and his reputation as a "bad boy" of tennis. He explains that he likes to have fun and not take things too seriously, which has often been misunderstood by the tennis community. He has faced criticism and fines for his on-court behavior, but he believes that his style brings a different energy to the game.

Kyrgios also discusses his recovery process from injuries, including a recent lateral meniscus surgery. He talks about the physical and mental challenges of being a professional tennis player and the importance of taking time to recover and get back to full health. He emphasizes the need for balance and finding ways to enjoy the game despite the demanding schedule and physical toll it takes on the body.

The conversation shifts to Kyrgios' endorsements and the challenges he has faced in securing sponsorships due to his unconventional behavior. He talks about how he has been painted as a villain in the tennis world and how he has had to overcome these perceptions to gain recognition and support. He believes that he is now more embraced by fans and sponsors who appreciate his unique style and approach to the game.

Kyrgios also discusses his podcast, which he started recently. He explains that he wanted to create a platform where he could connect with other athletes and learn about their journeys. He has already had some special guests on the show and is excited to continue exploring different perspectives and experiences.

The conversation touches on various topics, including mental health in sports, the challenges of playing tennis without an off-season, and the importance of having a strong support team. Kyrgios also expresses his love for basketball and the NBA, particularly the Boston Celtics.

Kyrgios admits that he wasn't big into partying at the time, especially since he had to play the next day. However, he does mention that there were nights where he stayed out late, including one instance where he was in a pub until 4 am before playing Nadal. Despite the late night, Kyrgios still managed to put up a tough fight against Nadal, although he ultimately lost in a four-set battle.

When asked about how to get in touch with him, Kyrgios shares his Instagram handle, but mentions that he doesn't often link up with people or do much outside of tennis. He reveals that he has been starstruck by meeting Gordon Ramsay and now Mike Tyson, expressing his admiration for both individuals.

Kyrgios also discusses his attitude towards fame and the media. He admits that his business is already out there a lot due to the media, but he doesn't really care about it. He believes that everyone is misunderstood to some extent because people don't always tell the truth about who they truly are.

In terms of his tennis career, Kyrgios expresses confidence in his abilities and believes that he could beat Chris Eubanks. However, he acknowledges that his friend Felix has beaten him a couple of times and acknowledges his talent as well. Kyrgios emphasizes that there are many good tennis players out there who are capable of winning matches.

Towards the end of the podcast, Tyson presents Kyrgios with some merchandise from his Tyson Pro collection. They discuss their shared love for boxing and Kyrgios expresses his gratitude for the gifts. The episode concludes with Tyson and Kyrgios bidding farewell and expressing their appreciation for the conversation.