Nick Kyrgios says he feels more comfortable on the grass surface as he looks to get off to a winning start at Queen’s Club against Milos Raonic on Tuesday.
Kyrgios is one of the more controversial players in the game, having been involved in a dust-up with Swiss number two Stanislas Wawrinka last year while his on-court antics at Wimbledon drew huge criticism.
The 21-year-old’s relationship with the Australian Olympic Committee has also broken down and he recently decided to miss the 2016 Olympics in Brazil in order to focus on other tournaments.
Media attention has died down around the Canberra-born star over recent weeks and his focus right now is on enjoying a strong display at Queen’s this week.
The 2016 Open 13 champion arrives in London off the back of a last-32 exit at the French Open, having been ousted by Frenchman Richard Gasquet in straight sets on the red dirt.
Kyrgios is switching to what he says is his preferred surface now and this could help in getting a first-round victory over highly-rated Canadian Raonic.
“I feel that my game is suited to this surface and how it works on grass. It’s a lot easier for me,” he told reporters.
“It’s not as easy as flicking a switch, but I feel I can do some damage on this surface.”
Raonic and Kyrgios have met five times and the Aussie has been getting the better on recent occasions, having won the last three matches after losing the first two.
The world number 19 is the favourite to pick up the win at Queen’s at 3/4 while the big-serving Canadian is an EVS chance in what should be a tight contest.
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