Nick Kyrgios struggles to find consistency both mentally and physically, but he thinks that he is doing his best, perhaps better than players who are as old as him. Speaking during the U.S. Men's Tennis Championships in Houston, Kyrgios admitted: 'I feel like I’ve matured massively since the first year I was on the tour.

So I think compared to the average 22-year-old, I’m pretty mature. This sport and the tour has taught me a lot.' Kyrgios plans to play five clay-court events in 2018. Including Houston, he has committed himself to playing in Estoril, Madrid, Rome and the French Open.

But does he like playing on clay? 'It’s probably not my favorite surface to play on, for multiple reasons. My shoes get dirty, my clothes get dirty,' he said. Speaking about why he chose to take a wildcard in Houston, Kyrgios stated: 'Jack (Sock) plays it every year, (John) Isner, (Sam) Querrey, all the Americans say it’s an amazing tournament.

So I gave it a chance, and it’s (the experience) been unbelievable so far. They told me the court is unbelievable. It’s very comfortable, very accommodating.' ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: 'Federer, Djokovic are talented, but they worked hard'