Nick Kyrgios is already Australia's No. 1. Now, he's set his sights on world No. 1.
Asked if he believes he can be the world's next No. 1, Kyrgios said he needs time to develop, but believes he can eventually achieve the top spot because "I have beaten most of (the top players), anyway."
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"Well, I have beaten three of the four, and I haven't played Djokovic yet. I don't think it's an exaggeration (to eventually reach No. 1)," Kyrgios told the media in Rome. "I think I still need a lot of time. I need to do a lot of hard work, a lot more matches. I need to grow more and become stronger and more fitter.
"I don't think it's an exaggeration at all. I have beaten most of them, anyway."
The 21-year-old Aussie edged world No. 2 Roger Federer, 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, at the 2015 Madrid. Kyrgios is winless in four meetings with third-ranked Andy Murray, winning just one of 12 sets they've played.
The explosive Aussie stunned Rafael Nadal at the 2014 Wimbledon. Kyrgios has split four meetings with reigning Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka, including a 7-6, 7-6 victory in Madrid last week.
Kyrgios, who faces 10th-seeded Milos Raonic in his Rome second-round match, says while clay is his least favorite surface he is comfortable on dirt.
"It's probably my least preferred surface, to be honest. I actually don't play too bad on it," Kyrgios said. "Obviously last week I had a really good result and semifinal the week before. I think it suits my game quite well. It gives me time to set up and really go for my shots and then execute. Obviously my serve, I'm serving well, and I think if you've got a good serve you can serve for any surface.
"I just think I move really well on clay which is a bit surprising to some people, but I think clay is a great surface."
Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open