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Sports

Controversial netter Nick Kyrgios explains antics

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – For all his emotional outbursts, fits of fury and unsolicited remarks, it's all a matter of perspective. Especially if you ask Nick Kyrgios himself.

"I try to give myself ... and my team the best chance [of winning]," the young Aussie told reporters shortly after his Singapore Slammers secured their second win in four International Premier Tennis League tours in the tournament’s Manila leg Sunday.

"You know what, I'm actually not very angry at all," he shared when asked to explain about all of his unnecessary antics both on- and off-the-court.

"I think I've matured a lot," Kyrgios added.

Early in 2015, the Slammer was accused of tanking in his Wimbledon match with Philippine Maverick teammate Richard Gasquet. But he explained, "Of course, I tried," only to be taken as a sarcastic remark by many followers and pundits.

In the Rogers' Cup, he figured in a verbal spat with Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka, which cost him a multiple-day suspension.

On top of such careless comments is his rather aggressive attitude over match officials and on-court emotional outbreaks that worry many spectators.

But Kyrgios noted it's only a phase.

"I definitely feel I've grown as a person and as a tennis player," he said. "I like to just relax... But I'm a competitor. I want to win, and that's what I want to do. Whether it's in the IPTL or any other court."

Calm and collected even after the lengthy explanation to the reporters, he went on to add, "It doesn't matter what I'm playing. I can play dominoes, I can play basketball, I could play cards.

"I think for my game it's good. It brings excitement. And I think that's very important.”

If there's anything worth noting, it's the triumph of Kyrgios’ calm demeanor paired by his tennis acumen that shined the most in the Slammers' conquest of the Aces.

The Slammers finished 29-20 over the Warriors after a twin triumph brought by the young netter in the last two matches – the Men's Singles and the Mixed Doubles (where he partnered with Belinda Bencic).

"I'm just looking forward to the experiences and all the [ones] I'm getting as well," he said.

LOOK: IPTL in Manila Day 1 Gallery

WATCH: IPTL in Manila Day 1 highlight reel

vuukle comment

BELINDA BENCIC

BUT I

BUT KYRGIOS

IN THE ROGERS

INTERNATIONAL PREMIER TENNIS LEAGUE

KYRGIOS

MANILA DAY

NICK KYRGIOS

PHILIPPINE MAVERICK

QUOT

RICHARD GASQUET

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