Nick Kyrgios peeled back the curtain recently on what goes on behind the scenes in the locker rooms at tennis’ premier events. According to the outspoken Australian, things seem fairly casual among the players before heated on-court rivalries kick into gear.
“I think people would be surprised by the scene in the locker room at tournaments,” Kyrgios admitted. “It’s basically just a bunch of athletes winding down together.”
According to Kyrgios, the vibe involving the game’s biggest stars feels reminiscent of hanging in a high school changing room. Laughter echoes off the walls as players relax and casually banter before matches.
“Guys like Rafa, Djokovic, Andy…they’re just normal dudes cracking jokes and chatting,” Kyrgios revealed. “You wouldn’t think these rivals who seem intense on the court are all friends behind the scenes.”
However, the 27-year-old noted that the joyful atmosphere can turn on a dime once players enter “game mode” on the court with thousands of fans watching on.
“That’s when the killer instinct takes over,” he said. “The locker room flips a switch in our brains I think. Suddenly, it’s no mercy against anyone, even guys who were your buddies minutes before.”
Kyrgios says the fierce competition pushes athletes to extraordinary feats fan can’t even imagine. But they certainly don’t take the battles personally.
As Kyrgios put it: “When the match is over, win or lose, we just go back to the way we were before – just chill people laughing together getting ready for the next one.”
