It was Nick Kyrgios’ first time to reach a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, but it was Novak Djokovic who emerged victorious at SW19 and secured his seventh Wimbledon trophy. Kyrgios, who is now focusing on warm-up tournaments prior to the US Open, opened up about his Wimbledon experience and his respect for the Big Three of tennis.

The Australian revealed that his respect for Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer has indeed grown after his Wimbledon run. He lost in four sets to Djokovic, but not before giving the Serb an early scare.

Kyrgios revealed in the Citi Open Instagram account, “It’s crazy. After I lost the final to Novak it didn’t hit me. It actually hit me a week after that I got to a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon and lost.”

“It is sad in a way, but it has been great. I’ve got a little pad here in the Bahamas and spent a good week here, downtime and training, but it has been a hectic couple of weeks since the final.”

He is set to play in Atlanta this week before going to the Citi Open in Washington next week. The US Open will commence on August 29.

Kyrgios reached the third round on four occasions at Flushing Meadows, which was his best showing so far. But after experiencing a full fortnight at a Grand Slam, Kyrgios is now feeling more confident. 

He also marveled at the Slams won by Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, which totaled to 63.

“You just have to be a mental animal to win a Grand Slam. Novak, Federer, and Nadal, I think I give them a bit more respect now,” Kyrgios said.

“Playing one of them in the final, I felt like he was fresh, felt like he wasn’t playing tennis for the last two weeks, never seen him rattled.”

“I take so much confidence from it. The doubles earlier in the year with Thanasi [Kokkinakis] really helped me mentally, even though it was doubles.”

The Australian also reiterated a point he made right away after losing to Djokovic – that he would have lost motivation had he won Wimbledon.

Kyrgios added: “I think about growing up, playing the sport since I was seven and being told that to win a Grand Slam is everything in the sport.” 

“I think every tennis player that picks up a racquet one day wants to win Wimbledon. I look back at my career and I think most would say – and even I would say – that my window was closed on making a Grand Slam final.”

“I think Wimbledon is the biggest title ever. I even had a chat with my team that I thought if I won Wimbledon, I’d really struggle after that for motivation.”

“I really don’t know what more I would have to prove as a tennis player. It’s exciting, I still look back and I still take so much confidence from it. I was one hurdle away from the trophy.”