Confident Kyrgios slams door on doubts

“To win a slam is not easy. You’ve got to win seven bestof-five-set matches against absolute quality players.

“So it’s not going to be easy for him but if he can survive that first week, anything can happen.”

And that’s exactly what Kyrgios (pictured) plans to do.

Despite having his left knee heavily strapped in Brisbane and complaining to the tournament supervisor that the injury, if it worsened, could potentially keep him out of the Open, Kyrgios believes bestof-five-set tennis at the slams will improve his title chances.

“I’ve played so many bestof-five matches, played a lot of Grand Slam tennis and I feel best-of-five tennis actually suits my game well,” he said.

“For a period of time, (I know) I’m going to play really, really well and it kind of favours the better player ... I definitely feel comfortable.”

His confidence flies in the face of last year’s efforts, where he showed imperious form in twice toppling Novak Djokovic and reached two tour finals at best-of-three-set events, yet only won one match at the four majors.

“I’m feeling very confident with the way I’m hitting the ball and playing in high-pressure situations,” Kyrgios said defiantly. “Last year, leaving Australia not doing so well at the Australian Open, having a lot of expectation but not following it up with anything left a bad taste in my mouth.”

Meanwhile world No.1 Rafael Nadal will face Richard Gasquet at the Kooyong Classic today in a key fitness test ahead of the Australian Open.

It will be the first hit-out for the 16-time Grand Slam champion since he withdrew from the World Tour Finals in midNovember with a knee injury.