Tea with Bublik: Nick Kyrgios

Transcript

I'm a nice guy. >> I hated tennis. >> I'm getting pissed. I'm Russian, you know. I'm getting pissed. I'm telling that story. I straight to the landscape. >> Something like for me, people say I've underachieved and I uh you know, one of the best players never to do things and wasted his talent. >> You in a locker room and you on internet is two other completely different persons. >> You're like the new and improved Curios. I'm just having fun. Uh jeez, you really you've shot my confidence. Now I'm nervous. >> I can't coach you. >> Yeah, you can. >> No, I can't. [Applause] [Music] York. Nick, how are you? >> Good. How are you? >> So, Nick, h tell me about a bit of your childhood, you know, what's because I really want to know what's all behind all the antics you do about everything, you know, how you grew up, where do you grow up? Yeah. >> What's about your parents? how much they influence your tennis. All about this, you know, just to get a little intro to me. >> Yeah. I mean, look, I was a very fat, overweight kid when I was young. Um, I hated tennis. I loved basketball. Uh, I used to watch basketball all the time. And I loved playing video games. And my mom saw that I wasn't, you know, going outside much. And she was like, "All right, let's go down to the tennis courts, local tennis courts, 5 minutes away." And I remember I was like crying. I hated it. I was like, "I don't want to play." And then I guess, yeah, I picked it up, you know, pretty quickly. I mean, I see a lot of myself in in your tennis, you know. I feel like we're we're quite talented. Um, but it's also like a bit of a curse, I think, cuz we don't have to train as hard maybe as some other players. But I guess I grew up just playing tennis and my without my parents, there's no way I would be here. Like I had so many moments where I wanted to stop playing um growing up in Australia. And yeah, I mean tennis is huge in Australia. You know, we have such amazing champions. Um, but yeah, it's all it's all my parents because I I don't I don't like the sport to be honest. >> So, it's all started in Cber if if small little town, Watson. Uh, still live there now. Um, and yeah, that's it. >> So, basically, as you're saying, you were not a fit kid, you know, to play tennis. you didn't like it that much, but you stayed there because of like your mom and dad were telling you to do or was more about like you were good enough at the early age and you realized that you're going to >> push it through and I mean I don't know make money whatever was your motivation you know in the first place. >> I definitely felt I I knew that I could you know make you know a lot of money and do some good things for my family. That was a big motivation for me. >> Um but yeah, I was definitely you can type on Google and see how I look like as a kid. Like it's actually pretty funny. I wasn't that athletic at all. Um, yeah, I used to like to eat a lot of food. Um, but yeah, like Australia, I loved basketball, but basketball wasn't massive in Australia then, and tennis is one of our biggest sports. So, I guess my parents knew that that was the best decision for me. And and it's obviously been amazing. Um, you know, I see you I got to number one junior in the world. Obviously, I ticked off a lot of boxers and and a lot of good players have have done that as well. And then obviously we're we're sitting in the middle of New York having a chat now. So, I think it went okay. But just speaking about that it's over when I when you said like it's been a good choice. You speaking that with that you know aura I would say that you're speaking about that you've done >> and I have a feeling that can we wait for you to come back like realistically or not like >> at the good level at the level you've been playing all your life you know since whatever 2014 13 >> do you can we realistically think that you're going to be there again? Well, I had I had I've I mean, you know how physical the sport is and you know, we travel seven months a year and I feel like you know I've had four surgeries in the last two years. >> Seven. >> Well, I mean that was that was that was like earlier in my career, now it's like two, but um you know I had four surgeries in like two years. It gets to a point where you know how physical this sport is and if you can't play as you said I was playing at such a high level and now it's a struggle to get through practice and it and you end up like not liking playing tennis because you're always in pain or you're not feeling it. So hopefully I can come back but you you're playing fine now. I don't need to come back. >> But you're doing >> but it's not about me now. I'm just saying >> yeah you're like the new and improved Curios. >> Do you think so? Do you actually think we're so alike that much? >> Now when I'm watching you play Yeah. now. >> Yeah. Now when like 2022 for me is like how you're playing now. >> That's not that that's delusional, man. >> What do you mean? >> It's like even close. >> Yeah, it's close. >> Like maybe 2017 me. Yes. But not 2022 or 23. >> No. Me at 2022 when I was locked in is you now like you're locked in. >> It is. It's not even close. >> It is. >> No, it's not. >> Yeah. So it's physical and it's not easy. So, you're struggling through the practices and I mean obviously you need to have a lot of events under your belt to get matches going because I believe that the level now is is insane and >> it's not easy. >> So, we going to expect you to try a bit. >> Yeah, look, I want to come back. >> They can't see your eyes. No, they can. So, they they would read it inside that that we cannot wait you. They >> I'm going to try and come back for sure. You know, I was I was planning on playing this uh this US Open. Um, but again, I don't want to force my body to the point where, you know, I'm going to get reinjured and then the rehab process, you know what it's like. It's not fun. >> So, um, yeah, look, I I I'll I'll promise you I'll come back, okay? Just give me give me some time. And I'm 30 now, bro. Relax. Like >> already? >> Yeah. >> Time flies, huh? >> Yeah. I would I turned pro when I was 17. >> Been around for a long time. >> I always wanted to ask you >> now it's I don't know if you can answer all this because I >> I'll answer anything >> about your tweets. Yeah, >> that you express something on social media touching other players. >> Touching other play. What do you mean touching other players? >> I mean you always you always bother players and we know that you are sometimes even when someone is doing great. This is what actually was always interesting for me to ask you because >> that can get you to a good trouble you know like that's not really nice and what's why are you doing it? What's behind it? Is it just like a trash talk of NBA 1992 or is it there's something more behind it? Well, and I think it's great for the sport. I actually think that's what the sport's missing to be honest. I think everyone likes each other too much and I just don't think that's realistic. Um, you know, I love that's why I love Novak and and because he's got a lot of following and he's got a lot of people that don't like him and I think that's healthy. I don't think it's possible to be liked by everyone. So, I actually think the sport right now needs more of that. I think that trash talk is completely healthy. You know, it's competitive and these guys, some of these guys aren't even my friend. Like, I don't really care. Like I I I like for you for instance like when you when you're playing I I watch it and I genuinely want you to do well like because I like you as like a tennis player and I think you you're comfortable in your own skin but half these guys I don't care like it's all a journey and I just do it for a bit of a show and >> ultimately do you think I put more eyes on the sport? >> I guess that's not what I asked you to be honest. I think so. Yes, of course. But I guess of course if you if you're the only one that spits in the umpire's face, you know, good or bad, it's for them to decide. But this question, >> but they gave me the power though. Like you, you shouldn't blame me. You should blame the tennis world because >> they gave me this position. >> I've just I'm just having fun. Like I'm in my bed half the time just >> just you just don't care. >> Yeah. >> Like so you you speak about that, you know, maybe >> the tennis world just goes crazy about it. >> What about the personal relationship with the people you insulted or >> I don't have a personal relationship. I think it's healthy. You think you have to have a good relationship with everyone? Tell me about the Sabanka's match. >> Which one? >> The one that you all talking about. She's playing on a quarter of a court. >> Battle of the Sexes. Uh >> why? Like what is this? She's playing with smaller court. You play with one serve and you have double alleys, right? >> No. So she's got one. We both have one serve. But my court's smaller. Like my smaller How smaller you have? >> I don't know. They're going to figure out the dimensions, but Yeah, I mean, look, she's obviously we're in the same agency, me and Sabalink, and she's she's awesome, by the way. Like, getting to know her, she's uh she's definitely a character. Um, but I'm super excited for that. And I I think she she's a type of player that I think she genuinely thinks she's going to win. >> But will you try or will you be just playing around and then at the end she will win and be like, "Okay, because as a as a if we talk about, you know, a lot of politics here, >> it's more about the woman's tennis, equal prize money and all that. And if she beats you, >> she's not going to obey me, brother. So, you're gonna try because I mean you can you can always you can always double fall on. >> You really think I have to try 100%. >> I think you can just go there have a nice night out before that and say okay I don't care. >> I'm going to try. >> Okay. So, you're going to try. So, my question was will you try to be there to play? >> Definitely because I'm representing I guess you the men's side. Like I'm I would I would say like >> I would not pick you to represent us against her. >> For sure. >> Seriously? because I know what you're gonna >> serve like our serves like women's can't return and then we can just like chip and like drop shot. I would I would choose you. See, he's very mean to me, bro. I would choose you 100%. You can drop shot. They would have no idea. Thanks for the confidence, bro. >> For me was we talking about this in a car with the guys and I said, "Will he actually try?" So for me, it's more about, you know, like not going there >> and saying, "Okay, ah, she's so good. I cannot play this. Oh, she's so good." Because I was going to do that. That's how I see >> that's that I that would make me look so bad. Imagine like all the the internet would go crazy. >> Internet would go bananas. That's what I think because I the level >> I think I'm going to be okay. I'm going to go. >> So you're going to try. So then we're going to watch it because that >> I'm going to try. I don't want her I don't want her to win. >> Okay. >> That's for sure. >> So you have smaller court where you both have one serve. >> Yep. She Yeah. My my like service boxes are smaller slightly and the court's slightly smaller. Okay. So, basically, if she has one serve, >> wait, she had two serves, I would lose or >> No, I'm just saying one serve. >> Yeah. >> I thought she was going to have with two. >> No, if she had two serves and I had one, >> stop it. >> Don't get me started on that, please. >> Uh jeez, you really you you've shot my confidence. Now I'm nervous. >> No, I just want you to be there and to to try your best, you know. >> Just come and coach me then. >> No, I can't coach you. >> Yeah, you can. >> No, I can't. So when is happening? You have the approxim when one year time, half year time, whatever. >> It'll be around probably like in a couple months in Hong Kong. We're trying to do it. >> Ah, so it's happening during the event in Hong Kong, right? >> Yeah, possibly. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. So, >> so you'll be there. You can be on the side like >> come on. >> I got to play tournaments, you know. I'm not playing in Hong Kong. And uh I got >> You keep playing like this. You don't have to play many. You just keep winning them. >> I I really enjoy that to be honest. I I start I start I start enjoying it much more than I used to be because I think >> it all started with you Australians, you Tanasi, you know, giving us young kids the wipe of Bernard giving us the wipe that we can do that by just hitting one surf and not doing anything. So that actually that's true. >> Come on. I did a lot more than that, brother. All all three of you influenced a lot of the younger generation up until maybe two three years behind me that we can do that without actually doing anything because >> what do you mean any what do you mean anything? >> Because it looks like this. I we of course I know that you all worked hard. I'm saying for the guys that have no idea. >> Yeah. Yeah. They have no idea. >> So that that influenced a lot the the patterns of the game. >> No, I agree. Yeah. >> That's why us like for example say from 97 to let's say 2000 we're quite strong because we had a big group of players. There's a lot of I think there's like 70% or 60% of us 97 to 20201 that are in the top 100 now. Yeah. And the guys behind us it's not easy because they grew up mostly on Bernard when he was young. You because you were all you were both insane at the time and Fasi was influenced by you. So that's why he plays 12 events. Huh. >> We can say hi to him. He's gonna watch that. >> I miss the man. He's he's injured right now. But >> yeah. >> Yeah. I guess when I when I came on tour, my my two be like three of my best friends were Bernard, Marino Matsovvich, and Dan Evans. >> And the fact you made it to the top 15 is already insane with with that with that group. >> Seriously, like I hung out with Bernard, Marino, and Dan Evans pretty much like they were my role models, I guess. >> So you and you and Dan are friends. >> Yeah. >> Didn't know that, actually. >> Yeah, we're we're good friends. Yeah. >> All righty. So, let's speak about your Wimbledon. Every time there is a conversation when someone's trying to push you that you haven't achieved enough, there is always a Wimbledon comes up which is fine and you say, "I'm Wimbledon finalist. Go [ __ ] yourself." Which is true. >> Yeah. But the most that still >> Yeah. >> still haunts me. Yeah. >> Haunts you that you didn't want it. >> I think look I guess for me I winning a grand slam wouldn't even be for me. It would just be to be left alone. I guess like that's something like for me people say I've underachieved and I uh you know one of the best players never to do things and wasted his talent but for me I look at my journey and where I came from and where I grew up and just everything it's like I overachieved a lot like in my opinion like I I know like for instance me sitting here like being in New York like you're about to play another US Open like this is all a crazy journey like so every day I hear like has Nick Curios wasted talent. He's the biggest waste of talent ever. Like, it's not easy to deal with that every single day. So, it's like, yeah, I didn't win Wimbledon, but like being a Grand Slam finalist has to mean something. Like, I don't know, does it? Like, I don't really care. But >> when you said overachieve, that's what I think too, to be honest. Like, I think with uh with a with a lot of uh rivalry back then, you had Roger Rafa, everyone is taking the the titles. You can't really win much. I mean, how many titles do you have? Seven. >> Seven. >> So, very cool now. But to be honest that that Wimbledon final, you know, when I looked because when I was getting ready, they told me we're going to have a podcast. I was looking at your career in a way and that Wimbledon in 2022 after that once you reached the finals, then you had you won Washington. >> Yeah. >> Would you ever imagine that after that Wimbledon at the peak of your career having Christian Gary in the quarterfinals, the toughest one probably? >> Yes. >> And Rafa retiring. So basically it's a fairy tale. >> Yes. You have a favorable draw. You use it. >> Y >> Raf is out. You're losing to Novak. Then you're winning Washington. Y >> you're bidding medf making quarters of Monreal. You've making semis or quarters in Cincinnati the next week or something like this. You're losing to Hubert I think. >> Yeah. For >> and then you're making quarters of the US Open and basically after that >> your career is done in a way like if we talk about now that you're >> Yep. Have you ever looked back and say would you leave it again like in a way that would you accept that path? I mean if we just fantasize you know would you accept that path and say okay at 20 >> now you're 30 at 28 no at 27 years old basically that was your last peak and it was that big >> or would you rather stay let's say 18 20 in the world for the next five seven years and enjoy it more like the tennis the why because you talk a lot to me when we were in the backstage about how good is it >> being in New York so what about that how because when I looked at it it looks like the best moment of your life turned to a disaster >> within three months time how do you feel about Yeah. No, you said it. It was the best best I guess year of my career. Like not ranking wise, but like I had an incredible run. You know, I had the best I had the third best season um out of everyone. Um and then, you know, I had my wrist surgery and I got told from like four surgeons when they looked at my wrist, they were like, "You're probably not going to be able to play again." Like, no one had this wrist surgery before. >> Before that or after? A >> after. After after that that was the that's what happened. and I had the wrist surgery and yeah, you're right. It was the best time of my life and then all of a sudden I was like having conversations that I may not ever play again. It was like it was strange because it was like exactly it was within a couple months it was like I thought I had it figured out. I was like, I knew how to win matches, tournaments. I found what was working for me and then all of a sudden it was like I couldn't play. Like my wrist was so bad and then it was like, yeah, that's what I mean. But it's just all a crazy journey. And for you, it's that's why I'm really happy to see winning and playing and enjoying because at any moment it can be taken away from you. Like it takes one bad injury and you see guys like Dominick Teen who are amazing players and and it sucks to see him, you know, have to retire because of injuries. But >> yeah, I mean look, it was it was tough and I look back and that's the last time I was able to play tennis like injuryfree, like just painfree, literally. And yeah, it's been >> so standing there at the Wimbledon ceremony, which probably most of us would never even imagine staying there after making it to the finals, you would never So you were not coming to that point. So there was no injuries during that time because you also did very well in India while in Miami before. >> Yeah. >> So that was not like there was not >> no injuries were not coming to you, right? You were not feeling it during the Wimbledon. You were not feeling it during Washington when you were winning. I mean >> killing everyone then >> it came up suddenly. >> Yeah. So I was at US Open. I lost to Kachnov in a big I remember it like we had a monster monster battle. >> Um and then I went flew back to Australia and I played at some exhibitions >> and then I felt some pain in my wrist >> and I just kept playing. I kept pushing through and then I was in Mayorca like the following year and then it just like my >> You mean the following year for the tournament? >> Yeah, cuz I was trying to play Wimbledon like the the year after cuz I was I played uh I pulled out of Australian Open cuz I had a knee surgery >> and then my wrist happened and then I was in my hit a forehand and that was it. That's the last time I've ever like >> 2023. >> 2023 was like Yep. Like I just my wrist just collapsed completely. How does your life changed after you maybe deep inside realized that it may the moments you lived in New York? >> Yeah. >> Were the last moments of Nick's professional tennis that we all loved and you've been >> not we all but some >> Well, I mean those who don't love you probably stayed up to to the to the signatures. We all know that, you know, it's that's like this. >> And how would you how how do you how does you how does it affected you and how do you live with that when you remember >> the last basically the peak? >> Yeah. >> And then snap. >> Well, I think you're one of the players that understands that tennis isn't everything. It's a big part of our lives, but you having a family now and you understand that tennis is it's it's important, but it's it opens up so many other things. Like you've got this amazing show now. Like there are other things that I've been able to do as well in my career. Like I've been very lucky that I've created a lot of things outside of tennis as well that I'm very passionate about. And I think it's just one form of our communication. Like when you're on the tennis court, that's your personality when you're just hitting drop shots and underarms. Like you're at peace out there. But then this is another thing that you're going to enjoy doing as well. So for me it's it's hard. Like I've had really tough conversations with myself. >> Like maybe my career is over, maybe I'm never going to play again. And like I know now that I'm never going to be able to play like I played like my peak ever again. And I'm okay with that. Like it happens. It's not going to wasn't going to last forever. >> And like I did party a lot in my career. Like I had a lot of fun. I have no regrets. >> Um and it's it's been an amazing it's been really an amazing journey for sure. >> But you still dream sometimes to be back at Arthur Rash night session. Honestly, bro, like sometimes, yeah, like it's it's fun, but I feel like certain players we we deal with a lot more pressure than than than other players. Um, it's like a >> it's like in an oven in there. It's like pressure. Like, it's like it's fun, but at the same time, it's so stressful. Like, don't you feel that? >> In a way, but I don't know me. If we talk about me, maybe we have to talk about me in your show because here >> Yeah. Otherwise, if if I'm going to talk so much, they're going to just cut it out. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, yeah. So, you not not dreaming, you know, to go back there again to feel the atmosphere of Ash or Wimbledon center court. >> I mean, yeah, look, it would be nice to play, but I've done it a lot. Like, >> it's not something you go to sleep with. You're like, "Okay, if not if it's not happening, it's not going to be >> I feel like I've I've I've achieved a lot and I'm I'm very proud of my career. Like, I think I've I've definitely shook the tennis world and had people questioning like why are they even talking about Nick Curios?" and I see my journey. I think it's been a fun ride for sure. >> So basically the getaway from tennis went fine. You feeling well and tell me about your podcast I guess or it's a show how you call it. So >> trouble and I I know how do you call it? Is it podcast interview? It's a show. It's a show. Okay. Good trouble. I know. Of course >> you're going to come on then. >> We have to we have to talk about that when we have time. And yeah, why not? >> Tell me about it a bit. You know, I watched it. I watched the episode with Patrick once and I think someone else You had Naomi. >> You had Naomi as well? Yeah. >> Yeah, I watched two. >> Yeah, I've had a couple tennis players, but I mean I had Mike Tyson. We did I did Matthew McConn here in New York last year. >> It's It's been crazy, man. Like >> that's what I'm saying. Like I'm Nick Curios from CRA. Why is Mike Tyson sitting next to me answering my questions? Like I've overachieved in the sense of and it's all come from tennis. It's all come because I've had a crazy career and and sometimes it's been bad and sometimes been good and I've been in a lot of trouble, but it's given me some pretty crazy things. Like never did I think that I'd be sitting next to Mike Tyson. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> Ah, I forgot. Yes. >> Yeah. >> What's behind Pokemon tattoos? The 30-year-old >> I love I love Pokemon. >> Wimbledon champion. Oh, >> yeah. Wimbledon. >> 30-year-old Wimbledon finalist. multiple ATP tourist >> winning head-to-head against most of the players and having Pokémons on behind your back. So, what's behind it? >> Like, I love video games. Like, I play a lot of like Call of Duty, like Pokemon, and like I every tattoo I have pretty much like this this is all basketball stuff and my whole back like Yeah, it's just my favorite Pokemon and it's like it took uh eight hours, six different tattoo artists. It was crazy. >> At the same time. >> How many tattoos in total you've got? Um my arm >> like do you know like >> Oh no not not numbered though I'm I'm going to get covered >> full >> y but not my neck I don't think >> so basically underneath. So we >> Okay. And what kind of Pokémons? >> Uh Blast Close is my favorite >> because I have no clue about Pokemons at all. I know Pikachu. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Zard's on my back. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I play every day. >> What do you mean you play every day? >> Like I play my Nintendo every day. >> Pokemons. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Jon, like do you know how big like you know the money that these like people are making from like video games is crazy. >> I started getting into Pokemon when uh Atman gifted a Pokemon card to Yanik >> because I was like I was like okay is that I never watched it like even as a kid I I know obviously I guess Ash the name of the guy because like I because my mother was always telling me if I will if I'm going to watch I I'm going to become dumb. So I was not watching it. She was turning it off all the time. >> She's right. I was not watching it but then it didn't help you know and so yeah it's it's an interesting thing and it's forever know like people collect these cards millions of cards. >> Yeah he has he has a colle I had dinner with him last night he has a collection of like like thousands of cards and they're worth like hundreds and thousands of dollars and he's very smart by the way >> I like him high IQ so Pokemon you know >> high IQ is did you get a test? No, he's like he's actually a really good dude. Like >> I know him like a bit I practiced him once at India Wells in the beginning of the season. >> He's got a great serve. >> I'm really I was actually you know I'm not sure you do that but sometimes I text a couple of upcoming guys you know when uh when they do well and I texted him because I was really happy to see first of all he he pisses he pissed me off when he put a Cincinnati >> whatever Ohio baseball team jersey and I was like okay oh my god why is he doing that? But then he he you learned I guess the hard way through the comments. You know the moment that the player closing out his comments that means he's in trouble. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 100%. >> Have you seen when closed his comments when he was staring at the >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So after that, you know, the players read the comments for >> Yes. They're like, "Okay, so only my family. So my mom can text me that she loves me." >> Yeah. No, he he's good. I think he he models his game around us a fair bit, I think. >> Could be. >> No, I think so. >> I was not watching much to be honest. That was because was the system he played at night because I was in Russia all the time. >> He served us. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Great serve. >> And you how you feeling about the US Open? >> It's always tricky for me here. I don't know why, but uh both Ozie and UN US is always a trouble for me. I tried many different tools, you know, to get ready for the for the tournaments here, but I never succeeded. >> It never I never feel good. Like I always like I was practicing here for two weeks or I practice here 3 days. I always feel the same way and for me is all about you know trying to find maybe one year I'm going to connected >> but for me you know you open can be very different. I was practicing first day closed roof uh Armstrong >> at night like 6:00 >> and then I was practicing 12:00 on court 17. It's two different use. >> Yes. It's different spades. >> It's not the same when you play in Europe when you play Shatria. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> In Paris and then you go on court 15. >> Have you always liked clay secretly? >> No. I >> It's the best surface I think. >> For now. Yes. For now. Yes. I I my two of my biggest st grass. So >> yeah, I know. But >> but uh yeah, I I I grew up on it. So I I was always questioning why am I bad on clay? Because in St. Petersburg where I grew up, we didn't have hardcore. We still don't have a hard courts. We only have few hardcords. >> Yeah. >> So it's only about clay. So I was always secretly talking to my coach like >> I grew up on it. I supposed to be good, right? >> Yeah. You go. >> So, it's like this. Yeah. So, for me, use open is more about it's so different. Same in Ozie. You go road labor practice in the evening. >> Outside courts are like >> that's for me it's not happening in Europe. Wimbledon court one or center is the same speed like a side court. >> Yeah. >> It feels the same. It's the ball strikes the same way. Here it's the complete opposite feels for me. >> Yeah. You'll be fine. So I know that a lot of people openly started talking about mental health issues, treatments, you know, hiring people that helps him out. Yeah. So >> can you tell me about your story? How you feel about that? How you feel about opening up, you know, like Andre did in the documentary. >> No did. >> And uh what about you? Tell us your story about that. Um, I always was pretty uh internal. Like I I didn't feel good opening up. Like especially when you're traveling the world playing tennis, people just assume you you're doing fine. Um, and then I went to Instagram and social media in 2019. Like I used to like self harm, like cut my like cut pretty bad on my right arm. And that's actually originally why I got my tattoos to cover all my like scars up. So I like went to the internet and I uh you know like there was a picture I played ra fourth round of the Australian Open and my arm was like disgusting. >> So you were >> Yeah. And then like I posted about it and I opened up about it and that's been one of the best things in my career is like so many people reach out to me and and are like you know they relate to that and it it was a tough time for me like 2019 that was one of the best years in my career but I was really struggling like mentally I was >> when we partied in in Wimbledon when you had a rough picture >> he had a rough mental health and now he's laughing. >> I'm stoic he had a ruffa wallpaper in his iPhone. We were partying in in London in the Wimbledon village. I'm telling that story. I straight to the lens. He's he's sitting next to me. His phone is popping up with some notification. And I see Rafa, you know that when he hit Rafa in the chest, Rafa is like this. And he had it on the as as a wallpaper in his uh iPhone. >> Yeah. Me and Rafa don't like each other. But um yeah, that was like a crazy time in my life, 2019. like I was I was a very unpredictable person and and uh I was dangerous I was I was dangerous to myself and I opened up about it >> and now I'm doing a lot better but yeah that was a a crazy time and I took a lot of inspiration from Naomi opening up as well and >> it's just good to see like players like Rublev happy like I think he's an amazing player and he's achieved so much and he's so hard on himself but that's also what makes him good you know he gets so angry he's so frustrated but it's like >> sometimes I just want to give the guy a hug cuz it's like it's all right you can lose a tennis match but >> it's good to see him happy and he's got the best coach in the world. So, >> what about Nick Curio's Foundation? What what what's this foundation doing? What kind of aspects you you're covering? You because I've seen your >> been with children with Down syndrome. You've been with disabled children. You've been helping adults as well. I guess I've been watching some pictures and >> tell me about that. How you started it? What's actually this foundation is doing and what's the cause of it? >> Yeah. >> You finance it yourself. So, all these, you know, questions that people don't know. >> Yeah. Well, it's just look, you can go on the internet. It's just called the NK Foundation. It's uh giving just giving kids a sporting chance, you know, giving them the opportunities to to play sports. Um, you know, giving them a home. But, you know, I work I think in my career, I didn't realize when we were a bit younger how much, you know, kids obviously look up to us a lot. And I think every athlete that has a platform to help should try that try and do their best. And that's the that's the best part of my career is now. Like I can meet these kids that are, you know, very sick or don't have long left and I can spend time with them and then, you know, it's it's like a dream come true for them. And for me, it helps me a lot like continue to train. It's motivation. Um, but yeah, I think like now that you're actually locked in and you're winning a lot, like I'm really happy that you're doing that. But there's a lot of kids that like now like the Under Armour, you made it cool. Like when I did it, no one liked it. But now you do it and it's sick, you know, cuz you know, you you a lot of kids are looking up to you. So yeah, it's it's it's my foundation is a big part of what I do to be honest. >> And you help them. So you you finance it yourself basically. You help through from your own pockets. You don't have anyone but you. >> Yeah. And that's what actually is good that we we came to this topic because as we I started the the the thing with talking about the bad side of Nick curious but as I said I' I have not seen you doing what you're doing on internet when you are in the locker room or with your family or you've been forever with your team I've seen your brother a lot your dad was coming in so this Nick >> which if we say it's a 50-50 partnership between an internet >> Nick and a lifetime Which one you refer to the most? >> Well, the thing is I I just I turn into the person I need to be. Like I put on a mask when I go out on court and I entertain. Like I like being someone else cuz they're my good my good friends, my family. Like you know me, like I think the the real me, but like I don't like showing that to the people. So I like I act like this bad guy and and it cuz it protects you cuz then like people don't know how you are. And I enjoy that. But 50/50, bro. I'm like this all the time. I'm like the the bad guy like 2% of the time. >> But that that 2% turns to uh millions of views on on on on the on the internet and people people that's why that's why I asked you. I mean it came to this. >> Which one do you like better? >> You know very the very moment I realized who you actually are and I have changed a lot my opinion to you is when we were in Stoodgart 2022 I believe right before you made the finals or 20 when we played doubles 2022. Yeah, >> you were late and you were late for the warm-up and I was waiting for you on the court and uh when you step on the court and I told you and we obviously we had like a full crowd, you know, we had like a full crowd. I don't think you remember that >> you look like you remember. I remember that clearly. >> Yeah. >> And after that I changed my opinion about you a lot. >> And uh you come up on court and I tell you I give you some [ __ ] in the way like a you did it quite loud. >> Yes. And then you turned immediately your face switched and you start telling me ah you you can wait for me because uh we're going to hit 20 minutes and you're going to make for a round of Wimbledon and you know you start like getting into it. I'm like okay why is he like what's happening? Why is he talking to me this way? And then you you were talking really really loud. So everyone start laughing and you're like yeah and we start hitting and you're like yeah I hit some balls. It's going to be you know you're hitting with me. I'm going to I'm going to do that. I'm going to do this. I have a headto-head against Roger. So you you you know you're getting onto it and I'm getting pissed. I'm Russian. You know, I'm getting pissed so much. >> I don't remember this at all. >> I remembered it. And then we we switched sides. We switch sides. Not from the side where the people are. We switch from the other side. Okay. >> And you come to me and say, "Oh, man. I'm sorry. I was late. I was I was doing things with my girlfriend. I I was packing or whatever." >> And I was like, "Okay." So, that was all a show. >> Yeah. >> And I was like, how? Like, I can't do that. And I'm You can >> No, I won't do that. Like, I'm not like this. And that moment I was I was there with Artm and I was like, okay, so that was all the show. So, that's not real Nick. >> No. Because when we were crossing paths in the night, you were like, "Hey man, sorry. I mean, I was late." I mean, >> yeah, of course. I don't like being late. Like, yeah, >> but in that moment, you were like, "Yeah, [ __ ] off. You hit with me. I beat Roger. I beat But of course, >> that's the show." >> Okay. So, that's I guess we can wrap it up on this. >> There you go. >> Yeah. Probably me. >> Yeah. >> Not by You'd be close though. You'd be close. >> No. >> Yes. >> No. No. I haven't broken. >> No one beats you in your prime in 2017 or 18, whatever you've been playing. >> You know, they had to put something in the Yonx contract. It was called the Curio. >> That's why I got out. >> Once they once they announced it, I said, "Okay, I'm out of here, guys." >> Yeah, I was bad. >> I think pretty close. Pretty close now. >> Back in the days, I think in the prime you got more aces and you hit the spots better >> in the prime, I think. >> Maybe. Yeah. >> But also faster surfaces. is tough to say because it was also faster surfaces, but I think yeah, something >> pretty close. >> Yeah, >> of course. Nick, I'm a nice guy. >> I'm a nice guy, too. That doesn't Just because you troll people doesn't mean you're not a nice guy. Okay, I'll I'll me. >> That's you. >> What do you mean? Like that's that's like insulting. No, of course it's you. Of course it's you. >> Yeah, I can't stand the crab. >> Of course, Nick. >> For sure. Don't Don't laugh too hard. >> I said I'm a nice guy. >> Uh m mine are more like Yeah, maybe too personal. Yeah. >> No, like I think his jokes within the locker room are more correct. >> That's pretty close. >> What do you mean pretty close? You've been spitting at the guy. You've been throwing bottles at them. You've been calling them potatoes. >> Where did I throw it? When did I throw it? >> The one that slip out of your hand. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> You've been calling them a tool. Whatever. Everything. Yeah. Like of course him. What is this question? Give me some break. I want something on me as well. >> That's it. No, there is nothing more. >> H you know if there was any other >> he can ask who can drink more. It's going to be me. >> No, no, I don't know about this. >> Remember you remember >> I don't know about this. Remember in in uh in blueberries when we were in London where you were when we wore the shots of vodka and you were drinking it with a half of 25 grams of vodka 25 grams of orange juice and it was like that's that's like >> what was it >> illegal >> you remember when we were me friends you pela >> brother in my prime I used to bang them like I was a bad >> that was that was the prime was 2019 >> yeah but now my parting prime >> whenever you're ready let's do one night who can drink the most >> oh happy but then we do it on field like in US or whatever. Then you come to Russia and then we do on my field. >> It's a different Australia, bro. I'll take you down. >> Okay, so here we go. Yeah, we go there. >> Melbourne, >> Amber, >> you have a lot of snakes there. >> Yeah. >> And spiders. I hate them, man. I'm so scared of this. >> If there was any other tennis player, by the way, all those questions would have been him. >> Yes. [Music] >> Basham Nick, thank you very much. >> No worries. 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