Kyrgios credits fitness for improved early season form, claims to be in "best shape he's been in for a while"

Australian Nick Kyrgios is off to a great start in 2022, and has credited his superb performance to his improved fitness and positive mentality.

The former World No.13 lifted the men's doubles trophy at the Australian Open and took Rafael Nadal to three sets in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells. Kyrgios is currently competing at the Miami Open, where he made short work of both World No.7 Andrey Rublev and Italian veteran Fabio Fognini.

Ahead of his fourth round match with Jannik Sinner, Kyrgios stopped by the Tennis Channel to talk about his sudden improvement and gave credit to his pre-season training for enhancing both his physical and mental prowess.

"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," said the 26-year old.

"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."

In addition to physical improvements, Kyrgios—who has spoken about motivation problems at times—also believes he now has a better mentality when it comes to competing and playing on tour.

"I thought I trained as hard as I did, and I'm probably in some of the best shape I have been in for a while," added the Aussie. "I could put some of it down to that as well. I'm just in a better space in my family, like I could put it down to a handful of things.

"But I think I just know like I have been playing for a long time now. This is nearly my ninth year on tour. I know I'm going to have some weeks where it's incredible, and I know there are going to be some weeks where it's shocking.

"I'm kind of riding it, and I think it's healthier. I have had some great performances. I'm happy with that."