Nick Kyrgios says he’s never felt more focused in his tennis career and puts it all down to ongoing support from his Davis Cup team-mates. The world No16 will lead Australia in their quarter-final tie against the US in Brisbane starting Friday amid what he describes as one of the best stretches of his career.

The 21-year-old has made three semi-finals and one quarter-final in his last four ATP Tour events, including playing what many consider one of the greatest non-grand slam matches of all time against Roger Federer in Miami last week. He also beat world No2 Novak Djokovic twice in two weeks.

It is a big turnaround after Kyrgios dramatically crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round, admitting it was time to find a coach and starting taking his tennis more seriously. While he hasn’t appointed a coach just yet, Kyrgios was relishing being back with the Davis Cup team, saying it brought the best out of him.

“I prefer the team environment, I love being around these guys, I love training with them and I love being on the sidelines watching them compete,” he said. “I love everything about this team event and Davis Cup.’

Kyrgios said returning to the Davis Cup fold in early February for their first-round win over the Czech Republic was the catalyst for his current form – and in particular, reconnecting with Jordan Thompson, Sam Groth and John Peers, who have all been retained in the team to face the USA.



“Just having their support every day, a couple messages waking up to or if I’m struggling,” Kyrgios said. “I know that the results I have in these tournaments can really help those guys in their tournaments.

“Everyone can see that I’m playing well and it lifts them up and helps them play well. Where I’m at mentally, I’m just competing for every point and playing hard and I haven’t really had that mindset before.

“I’m feeling motivated and I want to get out there more. I want to compete and I want to play. I’m probably in the best place I’ve ever been in.”