I Nicked out on a jet ski before I dumped Zverev
Kyrgios nabs title despite his unusual preparation
NICK KYRGIOS admits he jumped from a jet ski on to the court before claiming the Mexican Open title.
The Aussie still managed to see off world No.3 Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-4 in the Final to win his fifth ATP Tour title.
But Kyrgios – who started the week 72nd in the world, his lowest ranking in five years – knows he has to put in proper preparation if he wants to get back to the top of his game.
He said: “I need to be way more disciplined, way better professionally and do the right things. I don’t even have a coach so maybe I start there.
“I went jet skiing at 5.30pm so I don’t think that’s what a top-10 player would do.”
Zverev was the third top-10 player Kyrgios beat to reach the Final, after victories over Rafael Nadal and John Isner and a win against three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.
He added: “I knew I was the underdog going in. I didn’t expect much so it’s an amazing feeling.
“He’s an incredible player and doesn’t have many weaknesses, so I knew I had to play my style of tennis. I’m really happy with the performance.
“It’s hopefully an example for people who are struggling and getting in some places you don’t think you can get out of. If I can do it, you can do it.
“I was really down and out and didn’t know what I was going to do. But you have a week like this and things can change.”
Zverev said: “If you beat four players like that in an ATP 500 tournament you deserve to win it. He’s the real champion of this week.”
Roger Federer reached the landmark of 100 tour-level titles after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The 37-year-old joined only Jimmy Connors in amassing a century of triumphs in the Open era and gained a measure of revenge for his defeat to Tsitsipas in the last 16 of this year’s Australian Open.
Federer said: “We’ll see how much I’ve got left in the tank but I’m so happy I’m still playing. It’s been a long, wonderful journey. I wouldn’t do it any differently. I’ve loved every minute.”
Britain’s Joe Salisbury clinched his third ATP crown as he and US partner Rajeev Ram triumphed in the doubles in Dubai.
The pair beat Japan’s Ben McLachlan and JanLennard Struff of Germany 7-6 (7-44) 6-3.