Kyrgios is now in a much better place and enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022, reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis. The former world No 13 now takes pride in being able to help those who have faced similar challenges.
“I feel like I’ve helped so many people after I opened up about it and put it on social media,” Kyrgios explained. “I’ve almost been a beacon for people who are struggling. When they feel like they’re overwhelmed and they’re going towards drinking, drugs and stuff, they open up and they feel like I’m relatable.
“That’s been the most powerful thing in my career; people coming to me with genuine issues. They send me photos in my Instagram, direct messages, self-harming and genuinely wanting to commit suicide. I have conversations with these people. Sometimes I’ve had phone calls with these people. That’s making a real difference and I’m just really proud.”
If you are affected by any of these issues, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or at samaritans.org
