Kyrgios confident he can claim Wimbledon

AUSTRALIAN tennis sensation Nick Kyrgios has lofty ambitions ahead of Monday’s opening day of Wimbledon, declaring he is “expecting” to make it deep into the second week.

The world number 19, who is a $17 chance at online bookmaker Sportsbet to win Wimbledon, comes into the 2018 edition of Wimbledon fit, firing and hoping to atone after failing to overcome a hip injury in 2017’s first round exit.

Before last year’s disappointment the Canberran was quarter-finalist at London in 2014 and fourth-round loser in 2015, a fact that gives Kyrgios confidence that he can put together a strong tournament.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Last year I was injured, didn’t perform well. It’s one of my favourite tournaments and I’d like to do much better than last year. I feel very confident.

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“I definitely have expectations. I’d like to do very well — second week would be great. Any further for me is where I’m expecting myself to go.”

Kyrgios’ build-up has been ideal coming into London, after semi-final appearances at his two Wimbledon grass-court lead-up events in Stuttgart and Queen’s.

Last year’s Wimbledon finalists Roger Federer and Marin Cilic are the last two men to beat Kyrgios on grass.

The 23-year-old, speaking after a win over American Sam Querrey at The Boodles exhibition event, said there’s no substitute for competitive tennis.

“The (Boodles) courts play well, they play similar to Wimbledon,” Kyrgios said.

“It’s fun, laid-back, it’s a great atmosphere. I’d rather play matches than practice, so it’s another opportunity to get some time on the grass.”