Nick Kyrgios and consistency don't normally go together. In 2021, the up-and-down Australian only played eight tournaments, winning none, but is off to a far better start this season.
He's progressed to the fourth round of the Masters 1000 event at the Miami Open, where he's beaten No. 7 Andrey Rublev and skilled veteran Fabio Fognini. He beat Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner in Indian Wells before losing in three sets to Rafael Nadal. He and Thanasi Kokkinakis also won the Australian Open doubles.
Kyrgios claims he's moving better and is fitter than he has been in prior seasons now that he can bring his physio on tour to repair his frequently damaged knee.
"A good pre-season in, able to get the treatment necessary, and I think it was just a combination of things. That was primarily the reason why my knee is feeling the way it feels," he told press in Miami.
"But also, I think I have just been, you know, healthier, moving a lot. I actually did a lot more gym in the pre-season than I have probably ever done."
"I'm kind of riding it, and I think it's healthier. I have had some great performances. I'm happy with that."
He has improved in many areas, not just his own play. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka sought Kyrgios' advice on serving, and their conversation resulted in a minor technical change.