Kyrgios on emotion: "If I do happen to cross a line, I cross a line"

By now, it’s clear Nick Kyrgios welcomes a team event with open arms, where his passion and energy have proven to translate into bringing out a dynamic competitor.

The 24-year-old is among the players hoping to lead Australia to victory at the inaugural ATP Cup, which is staged across three cities to begin proceedings. Kyrgios is coming off a season where he won two ATP 500 titles, but was dealt a suspended sentence after receiving a record $113,000 fine for his behavior in Cincinnati.

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The Canberra native has already struck a positive chord with the tennis community and his compatriots, pledging $200 for each ace he hits during the Australian summer swing to support wild bushfire relief efforts. Though Kyrgios is still on probation with the ATP, he spoke openly and confidently about his mindset heading into a new year of possibilities.

“I've been seeing a psychologist,” Kyrgios disclosed in a pre-event press conference. “I know when I'm in a team environment, I'm not worried at all. It's more so when I'm traveling and it's been a couple weeks in a row where things can get a little out of hand. I'm always going to go out there and play with emotion. If I do happen to cross a line, I cross a line. That's just the way it is. I feel good.”

Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur will look to lead the host nation to victory in their Group F opener Friday evening in Brisbane on Patrick Rafter Arena against Germany. Kyrgios opens against Jan-Lennard Struff, before de Minaur takes on world No. 7 Alexander Zverev. Should the two countries split the singles matches, the clash will come down to a doubles match between local favorites John Peers and Chris Guccione, and reigning French Open champions Kevin Kraweitz and Andreas Mies.