Nick Kyrgios ‘Tennis Bad Boy’ On Beating Nadal Hungover, JiDion’s Haircut Prank - IMPAULSIVE EP. 366

TL;DR

Nick Kyrgios explains why he rejects the “bad boy” label while discussing mental health, media scrutiny, tennis, and the support that helped him find balance. The IMPAULSIVE EP. 366 guest also reflects on beating Nadal at 19, reaching the Wimbledon final against Djokovic, and treating tennis more like a hobby. Read on for his candid perspective.

Transcript

[Applause] was in the crowd and then there was someone next to it trying to tell me how to play I said dude do I tell Ben Stiller how to act just shut up like my girlfriend's gonna think that your girlfriend helps you get your act together yeah I mean my girlfriend dude you fought Floyd Mayweather being the doctor no no no no I don't even know you ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤠 Nick Kyrgios feels that he has been unfairly labeled as the "bad boy" of tennis due to his unique personality and style of play.
• 🧑‍⚕️ He has overcome struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and his reputation to become a more professional and focused tennis player.
• 🇯🇴 Kyrgios believes that comparisons between athletes, such as Federer vs. Djokovic or Jordan vs. LeBron, are unnecessary and prevent us from appreciating the greatness of each individual.
• 👪 He finds support from his family, friends, and his girlfriend, who has helped him improve his mental state and become a better tennis player.
• 🏈 Kyrgios enjoys the culture and lifestyle in the United States and is a fan of American sports, especially basketball. He also appreciates the energy and enthusiasm of American fans.
• 🤳 Despite his controversial image, Kyrgios wants to serve as an inspiration to others, especially those who are struggling with their weight or mental health, and show them that they can overcome obstacles through determination and self-belief.
• 😀 Kyrgios continues to face challenges in his career, including dealing with media attention and the physical demands of playing tennis at a professional level.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is Nick Kyrgios called the “bad boy” of tennis?

Kyrgios says he has been singled out during the last five years of his career because he dresses differently, shows emotion, and brings his own personality to tennis. He does not see himself as a bad boy and believes his controversial moments have been blown out of proportion.

Q: How has Nick Kyrgios dealt with mental health struggles?

Kyrgios has experienced anxiety and depression amid the pressure and scrutiny of entering the spotlight at a young age. He says support from his family, friends, and girlfriend helped him improve his mental state and find more balance.

Q: How does Nick Kyrgios handle negative media attention?

Kyrgios says he has developed a thick skin and does not care about negative coverage. He believes media outlets amplify his controversial moments for clicks, so he focuses on remaining himself.

Q: How old was Nick Kyrgios when he beat Nadal?

Kyrgios confirms that he was 19 years old when he beat Nadal. The hosts describe that achievement as part of his rise as a tennis prodigy.

Q: What did Nick Kyrgios say about his Wimbledon final against Djokovic?

Kyrgios describes the Wimbledon final against Djokovic as his chance. He says that if he had won, he thinks he would have retired for at least a year or two.

Q: Does Nick Kyrgios believe he can win a Grand Slam?

Kyrgios believes he can win a Grand Slam and is motivated by that goal. He feels his tennis talent is often underestimated and views a major title as a way to silence his critics.

Q: How much time does professional tennis require Nick Kyrgios to travel?

Kyrgios says playing tennis from Australia requires traveling for seven or eight months each year. That schedule makes it difficult for him to maintain activities such as a Twitch channel.

Q: What does Nick Kyrgios enjoy outside tennis?

Kyrgios enjoys gaming at home and mentions Call of Duty, Nintendo Switch, and Pokémon. He specifically recommends Pokémon Unite, describing it as similar to League of Legends but featuring Pokémon.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nick Kyrgios discusses his experiences as a tennis player, his battles with mental health issues, and his reputation as a "bad boy" of tennis.

• He talks about the challenges he faces in the sport, including dealing with media scrutiny, facing off against other players, and the physical and mental toll of playing marathon matches.

• Kyrgios opens up about his struggles with substance abuse, alcohol, and partying, and how he has found balance in his life with the help of his girlfriend and a more professional mindset.