In a candid interview on the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty, Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star, shared the challenges he faced during the darkest period of his life in 2019. At that time, he battled major depression, had suicidal thoughts, and coped with intense public scrutiny.
Kyrgios expressed the impact of being labeled the “bad boy of tennis,” especially when he was going through his toughest times. He revealed that the assumptions about his personality were “pretty brutal,” considering the personal struggles he was enduring. Despite facing criticism for his on-court behavior, Kyrgios has since emerged from those dark days and is now leading a happier life.
During his lowest point, Kyrgios turned to destructive habits, including alcohol and drugs, and even engaged in self-harm. He described a period of about a year-and-a-half to two years filled with complete harm, darkness, and a sense of self-loathing. However, with the support of those close to him and professional help, Kyrgios managed to overcome these challenges.
In a separate interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Talk TV, Kyrgios reflected on his struggles, admitting to engaging in harmful behaviors and despising the person he had become. He highlighted the addictive nature of self-inflicted pain and expressed a deep dislike for waking up as “Nick Kyrgios.”
Now in a much healthier mental state, Kyrgios is using his experiences to help others facing similar issues. He shared that one of the most powerful aspects of his career is people reaching out to him with genuine problems. Through Instagram messages and direct conversations, he has connected with individuals dealing with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Kyrgios emphasized that having these conversations and making a real difference in people’s lives is something he takes pride in.
In essence, Nick Kyrgios has transformed his personal struggles into a source of strength and empathy, becoming an advocate for mental health and offering support to those in need.
