13 January 2023 , 13:00
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Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has spoken about his anger problems which have resulted in him 'losing his s***' on court during a new documentary series.
The 27-year-old Australian features in the opening episode of the Netflix: Break Point documentary, when the reason behind his anger issues on court were explored. Kyrgios is known for his outbursts that have seen him argue with umpires and crowd members, and smash rackets in the past.
The World No.21 says he has had expectation on his shoulders from the age of 19, when he beat 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 - a moment that changed his life.
Nick Kyrgios on-court outbursts will be highlighted in Netflix's 'Break Point' documentary series (Getty Images)"I went from nobody knowing who I was to people camping outside my house," Kyrgios told the Netflix cameras. "From that day forward the expectation for me to be the next big thing was massive.
Looking back at his broken tennis rackets, his mother Norlaila says her son "just became so aggressive" after the win.
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"He was angry at everything," she added. Kyrgios then spoke about the following few years which saw his life spiral on the tennis tour amid negative press over his behaviour.
"Racism was just another unnecessary thing to deal with, it hurt," added Kyrgios. "The first four or five years of my career were just so chaotic and Daniel (Horsfall Kyrgios' manager) could just see my mental health declining every week.
"My life was spiralling out of control, drinking every night."
Nick Kyrgios was shown losing his temper during the Netflix: Break Point documentary (AP)Horsfall revealed that even during tournaments he had to use a tracking app on his phone to find the Australian star after nights out.
"I used to have your location on my phone and some mornings I had to go and physically find where you were, what hotel you were at," Horsfall added.
"Whose house you were staying at before tournaments or before a match. That was tough."
During the documentary Kyrgios showed his anger during his Australian Open second round singles match versus Daniil Medvedev.
With the first set tied at 4-4 the Australian comments to the crowd: "Can you please stop screaming when I'm f****** serving please."
Speaking to the Netflix cameras Kyrgios adds: "I lose my s*** because of little things happening out there (on court). I've just got such a short fuse. It's almost like a habit."
After losing the first two sets Kyrgios is seen having an explosive rant at the judge. Stating: "Nobody cares about what you say,"
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"In the heat of the battle I'm two different people," adds the Australian to the cameras. "Sometimes I do cross the line, that's just my passion and my emotion. Millions of people watching you and you're not playing your best. Would you not be frustrated and angry? Kyrgios then slams his racket breaking it in anger before losing the match.
Doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis met Kyrgios at the age of nine and the pair spoke about having fun on court - rather than being a strictly professional outfit.
Nick Kyrgios was filmed winning last year's Australian Open doubles competition with friend Thanasi Kokkinakis (Ella Ling/REX/Shutterstock)They also revealed how they mixed partying with their tennis careers at a young age, but have since led calmer lifestyles
"We were training like dogs, I don't know how we trained, now if I'm really tired I can't put in a good session," added Kyrgios while sitting in the car with his doubles partner. "Back then we were probably averaging 2.5-3 hours sleep and I was doing four to five hours a day (training).
Kokkinakis added: "You know what it was, we were so looking forward to the nights out, that was fuelling us. You've definitely reigned it back. However, I do want to bring you back for a small period."
They are shown winning the Australian Open doubles tournament, but not before another dramatic moment with Kyrgios losing his temper during their semi-final match.
Nick Kyrgios described his need to be around family including girlfriend Costeen Hatzi during the Netflix documentary (Getty Images)Kyrgios is described in the documentary as being a 'part-time' tennis player due to missing a host of tournaments during the season and having months between matches.
On returning to Melbourne Park with hitting partner James McCabe the Australian says: "It's always nice to be back, I don't know if this is going to be the last time. Nothing good lasts forever.
Talking to the camera he adds: "My tennis career depends on how I play this year (2022). People really don't understand how different I go about my tennis or my life or career compared to every other tennis player. I barely play for 10 or 11 weeks of the year. But I'm hitting the ball as good as ever. I definitely feel my level is there.
"I don't know how many Australian Opens are realistically coming."
Nick Kyrgios ranted at the umpire before smashing his racket in the Australian Open (Getty Images)Speaking further about his reasons for missing tournaments during the season, Kyrgios says: "For my mental health I can't be one of those players that play all year round, I couldn't do that.
"I don't have any expectations now in my matches, I want to go out there, have fun and take the pressure off. Then we can live more of a normal life."
"Tennis is an extremely lonely sport which is what I struggle with the most, I need to be with my family and have my close circle around me."