'I texted Nike…I need a Kobe Bryant jersey,' A pensive Nick Kyrgios reveals his emotions on the day Kobe Bryant passed, minutes before his epic Australian Open showdown against Rafael Nadal 

It happened during his Australian Open Round 4 match against Rafael Nadal. He immediately called Nike to design a Kobe Bryant jersey, wanting to play in it for the match. 

However, the Australian Open did not allow him to, and a dejected Kyrgios had to walk onto the court to play one of the biggest matches of his career. On a huge day, he had to play the best in the sport. 

The day Kobe passed, I was playing Rafa, fourth round of the Australian Open, and I still remember that day. It was horrible. And then I texted Nike, and I was like “ I need a Kobe Bryant jersey to walk out in front of the crowd”. I actually wanted to play in it, but the tournament didn't let me obviously. Said Nick Kyrgios in an interview with Naomi Osaka on his show. 

Nick Kyrgios with his powerful story of Kobe Bryant as he recalls the terrible day

Continuing the Kobe story, Nick Kyrgios revealed the day he walked out without blasting any music. Having worn the headphones as a bluff, the Australian walked out to the crowd, roaring and chanting his name. Taking in the moment, it was an unforgettable day for the Australian. 

Usually at that point in my career, I was walking out with headphones, and that day I just had my headphones on but I didn’t play any music. So I walked through the tunnel with Rafa behind me. I walked out. It was all bluff. My headphones were a bluff, and I just listened to the crowd go nuts And that was one thing I remember about that day. Said Nick Kyrgios as he recalled the time when Kobe Bryant passed away.

However, it remained a horrible day for Kyrgios, who not only lost his basketball hero but also lost his match against Rafael Nadal. It was a four-set intense match, but the Spaniard pulled out a win to leave Kyrgios even more sad. 

Back to the present, Kyrgios is attempting a comeback after a knee injury a year ago. The entire crowd has their hopes on Kyrgios to return, as the Australian will hope to get back as soon as possible.