The maverick Australian will become one of the All England club’s most controversial champions if he defeats the six-time winner Novak Djokovik Sunday’s final.
The 27-year-old, playing in his first major final, admitted that he was having sleepless nights before the showdown.
As he spent time counting down Sundays, he posted a photo of himself as a self-conscious, overweight kid, posing awkwardly with a racket in hand.
“I think it’s a strong message for any kid who doubts themselves. Just keep going. Look at that picture, I literally look like Manny from ‘Modern Family,'” he told of the hit US comedy series Referring to.
“I grew up in Canberra, the courts I trained on were terrible, and now I am in the finals of Wimbledon.
“I think it’s honestly an inspiration to any kid who’s kind of ostracized or just surrounded by negative headlines or being brought down from so many different angles.”
Kyrgios’ career has been more ups and downs than ups, a journey marked by a series of stir with players, officials and even fans.
Until this Wimbledon, he had only two Slam quarterfinal runs to his name, the last of which was the 2015 Australian Open.
His first appearance as a teenager at Wimbledon in 2014, the 144th-ranked wild card, was shocking. Rafael Nadal in the fourth round.
Even Kyrgios admits that he felt his time had come and gone.
“You just have to ride the waves, roll with the punches in a Grand Slam,” he said.
“Of course there are times I hate the sport, but at times I feel like I’m one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met.”
Despite a total fine of $14,000, Kyrgios is winning fans over at this year’s tournament, admitting to spitting toward the crowd, and even being accused of “bullying” by Stefanos Tsitsipas.
and also John McEnroeHonored by former Grand Slam winner Bad Boy TV commentator, Kyrgios is heating up the show.
“He’s a professional, I love it. He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve seen on and off the court,” the American told the BBC.
If he wins on Sunday, Kyrgios doesn’t see himself as a natural successor to Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Rafael Nadal. Roger FedererWho has won 62 Slam titles between them.
“Please don’t pressure me to do one more thing. Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, these guys are so rare.”