Nick Kyrgios says he wants to build a team around him as he looks to crack the Top 10 for the first time in his career.
The 21-year-old Australian has not had a coach for more than a year, and has reached a career-high ranking of No. 15. But to climb higher, Kyrgios suggested, more is required.
"The barrier between No.] 15 to 10 is quite big, and the guys in the Top 10 are at a different level,” he [told the *Herald Sun*. “So I think a team is needed soon. At the same time, doing everything my own way has been working great."
He said that a trainer, not a coach, would be his next addition. A hip injury forced him to withdraw in the third round of the U.S. Open, and he has had several injury problems over the course of the season.
"I’ve got a physio," he said, "but I’m definitely looking for a strength conditioner … I need to be able to stay healthy so things like the U.S. Open don’t happen."
After hiring a trainer, he’ll look for a coach. Kyrgios has received help from Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt. He’s expressed interest in working with Radek Stepanek, but the Czech is still active on the ATP tour.
"I’ve got a lot of offers, obviously, from a couple of big-name players,” Kyrgios said, “but that’s not what I’m interested in. I’m trying to find people that truly care and have my back.”
Kyrgios returned to competition this past week in Australia's Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against Slovakia. In his lone match in Sydney, he defeated world No. 127 Andrej Martin, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.