Nick Kyrgios has explained the change in his mentality that has helped him enjoy a successful 2022 season following his first-round win in Cincinnati.
The world No 28 advanced with a 7-5 6-4 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and cracked an injury joke about his back as he provided a fitness update.
Kyrgios remains unbeaten in first round matches this year after downing the world No 37 in 90 minutes on Tuesday. While the Wimbledon finalist admitted it wasn't an "accolade" to win an opening round, he explained how he had managed to find motivation to achieve consistency this season. "I don't think not losing first round is much of an accolade to be honest," he laughed, speaking to Prime Video. "I feel like that's what every tennis player kind of wants to do, win first round.
But I feel my consistency has definitely been a lot better than it has been throughout my career, that's for sure." And asked what had been behind his stellar season so far, the 27-year-old admitted that he had decided to "mature" and was making the most of having to be away from home. "I guess my motivation [has changed]," he said. JUST IN: Andy Murray 'stunned' by Serena Williams announcement ahead of US Open "I feel like I'm playing for a lot more than myself this year.