Kyrgios in personal essay: 'I've missed tennis'

Ahead of every Grand Slam, there's always talk of whether Nick Kyrgios is finally mentally ready to break through. There's constant speculation surrounding his attitude, health and chances of becoming a Grand Slam champion.

Going into Wimbledon, Kyrgios came out and said what will be different this fortnight by revealing that he missed tennis while out with an elbow injury.

Kyrgios penned an essay for Players Voice about how being forced to take some time away from competition has "lit a fire." The difference, he says, especially came from traveling to support his girlfriend, Ajla Tomljanovic, while unable to play himself.

"Attending those tournaments and seeing everyone else out there competing and doing well has lit a fire in me," he wrote.

Kyrgios hasn't always been the best competitor, but he says losing the option to play, what he calls "the power to compete," has changed him.

"Your only choice is the gym or Call of Duty," he wrote. "I’ve done a lot of gym work (and a little Call of Duty-ing)."

Kyrgios went on to detail his experience being injured, from waking up in piercing pain, to his mother persuading him to get the proper treatment, to re-learning how to take care of his body.

The Australian's gradual return to the game has been a modest success so far. He won his first doubles title in Lyon, he almost beat Roger Federer in Stuttgart and he reached the semifinals of Queen's Club.

"I’m not promising everything will change," he wrote. "I’m sure there will be times when tennis frustrates me again. I suspect I haven’t smashed my last racquet."

Yes, there have still been a few antics, including one incident that got him a $17,500 fine, but, overall, Kyrgios looks more focused than ever.

Kyrgios is set to kick off his Wimbledon campaign on Tuesday against Denis Istomin—he lead their head-to-head 2-0.