On Tuesday, June 22, Nick Kyrgios took to social media to check on a mixed doubles partner for this year’s Wimbledon. Kyrgios has found his match: Venus Williams!
The Australian announced in his pre-tournament press conference on Saturday that he will compete in mixed doubles at Wimbledon with five-time champion Venus Williams.
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“The mixed doubles pair of the tournament!” Kyrgios exclaimed after making the announcement. Williams was awarded a wildcard into the ladies singles draw.
Kyrgios has played mixed doubles before, most recently with Amanda Anisimova at last year’s Australian Open and Desirae Krawczyk at Wimbledon in 2019.
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Wimbledon will be just his third tournament since Acapulco last February. But the 26-year-old knows there is no guarantee he will come out firing.
“I’ve been hitting a fair bit on the grass, trying to get two hits a day, trying to find my feet because it’s been almost two years since I’ve been on the grass,” he said.
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“It’s been fun just being back here seeing a lot of the tennis world.”
He played two tournaments in Melbourne this February, including the Australian Open. Kyrgios will open his singles campaign against France’s Ugo Humbert.
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Although he is light on matches heading into the grass-court Grand Slam, the World No. 61 believes he is still a dangerous opponent.
“I know for a fact that no one here wanted to play me first round and I feel completely confident going into this match. I’m not saying that I’m the favourite, but I know how to play on grass, I’ve won a lot of matches on grass. It’s going to be fun,” Kyrgios said.
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“I’m the underdog and I feel as if all I can do is just prepare and do as much as I can these next two, three days to get on the court and have fun. It’s Wimbledon.”
