Aussie tennis ace Nick Kyrgios has opened up about experiencing impostor syndrome as the boss of the Australian Open said the 29-year-old will play in the grand slam next January.
On Thursday, tournament director Craig Tiley declared the injured star will be on court in Melbourne, saying: ‘The one we’re keeping an eye on will be Nick Kyrgios – Nick will be back.’
When asked to clarify his comments, Tiley backtracked a little, saying the tournament would ‘love to have Nick back’.
‘We know he’s out there practicing and preparing for the summer. He loves playing in Australia,’ Tiley continued.
‘We expect him to be back and we know he’s on track with that preparation.’
Kyrgios has played just one competitive match in two years, with the 2022 Wimbledon finalist struggling with knee and wrist issues that required surgery and have kept him sidelined.
However, he has been busy off the court growing his portfolio to include sporting teams, properties, businesses – and now a stake in a beer company called Stryda.
Kyrgios, who also has a podcast that sees him sit down with superstar guests, admits his achievements have been a bit overwhelming.
‘Sometimes I have a bit of impostor syndrome looking at some of the things I have been able to do in my career,’ Kyrgios told News Corp.
‘When I look at some of the people I have been able to get on my podcast … I know having a can of Stryda with me at all times, on my podcast and exposing it to the biggest actors and biggest names in the world that it’s going to be super successful because I can take it to a global audience.
Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios (pictured with partner Costeen Hatzi) has revealed that he suffers from impostor syndrome
The tennis ace is expected to return for the Australian Open next January after playing just one competitive match in the last two years
‘I want it to be an edgy brand that appeals to younger generations.
‘Obviously there are a lot of people that hate Nick Kyrgios but there are a sea of fans that love the authenticity I have. So I think Stryda aligns with my brand, it’s raw and edgy.’
Kyrgios also admitted that he doesn’t mind knocking back the odd beer.
‘First of all I love to have a drink myself, I’m not going to lie,’ he said.
People who suffer from impostor syndrome doubt their intellect, skills or accomplishments, and it has been associated with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
The tennis ace now has a stake in a new beer company called Stryda
The mercurial talent – who is arguably Australia’s most polarising athlete – has made millions throughout his career and has invested astutely.
‘One of the first things I ever did was buy a house in the Bahamas,’ said Kyrgios, who has 14 other properties.
‘I’m extremely blessed that my parents were taking care of those things when I was on the other side of the world trying to chase a tennis ball around.
‘They were always extremely smart and understood I was in a position where I could really set up my family and my own future family, and really take care of everything. Investment properties are a hobby for me at the moment, I definitely love doing that.’
