A sentimental After overcoming a three-year title drought with a victory in the final of the Citi Open in Washington, Nick Kyrgios spoke of his challenges to find his best form. In Sunday’s final, the Australian defeated Japanese giant-killer Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 6-3 in 81 minutes to earn his first ATP Tour championship since claiming the same event in 2019.
The 27-year-old followed up his victory by taking the doubles championship with fellow American Jack Sock, his third doubles victory of the year. Kyrgios and Sock defeated Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek 7-5, 6-4 shortly after Kyrgios won the men’s singles championship.
Kyrgios has had a career-best year after reaching his maiden grand slam final at Wimbledon, where he fell to Novak Djokovic. The remarkable week in the nation’s capital continues this trend.
Despite not receiving any ranking points at Wimbledon due to the ATP’s protest of a ban on Russian and Belarusian players, Kyrgios is now ranked 37th in the world after his victory in Washington. Before major tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati, Kyrgios is closing down on a crucial seeding for the US Open, which begins on August 29 in New York.
Kyrgios stated in a post-match interview, “Comparing where I was this time last year to where I am today is a fantastic transformation.” “I just emerged full of vitality. Today, I knew I had experience on my side. This court is my favorite, and I’ve played so many great matches here, so I’m pretty pleased with myself.
“I’ve been in some truly bleak environments. To be able to turn things around… some so many individuals have helped me get there, but I’ve shown some significant strength to persist and persevere through all those difficult moments and still be able to compete and win tournaments like this.”
Kyrgios’ serve was imperious throughout the competition, remaining unbroken in 64 of the tournament’s matches. In Sunday’s final against Nishioka, the 27-year-old hammered 12 aces and smashed 32 wins in a confident performance to earn his sixth career title.
After winning the doubles title in Atlanta last week with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, Kyrgios teamed up with Sock to defeat Dodig and Krajicek in straight sets. As in his singles victory, Kyrgios and Sock won 95 percent of their points on their first serve during their 79-minute victory.
