Nick Kyrgios claims he is one of the BEST players in the world ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios is ready to face the pressure of being one of the Australian Open favorites for the first time.

The 27-year-old is ranked 21st but, having reached his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon last summer and then the quarter-finals of the US Open, has shown he can be a serious contender on the biggest stages.

Kyrgio’s commitment to tennis has been repeatedly questioned in recent years but he turned a corner after lifting the doubles crown here with Thanasi Kokkinakis last year and will be keen to become the first home men’s singles champion since Mark to become Edmondson in 1976.

Nick Kyrgios has boldly claimed that he is one of the best tennis players in the world

“I’m one of the best players in the world, so I’ll definitely go into the Australian Open, any tournament, with confidence,” said Australia’s number one after training at Melbourne Park.

“It’s a bit different this time as I’m one of the favourites. Normally I’m a dark horse guy but now obviously after the year I’ve had I’m one of the favorites so it’s something new for me too.

“This is the first time I’ve really gotten into a slam feeling like I’m one of the guys who can really take the trophy and knock on the door. I don’t know how I’ll feel when I get out of this.

The 27-year-old is aiming for his first Grand Slam win at the Australian Open this year

“Usually I have nothing to lose and I’m just putting on a show, but I have to try to really find that balance. Fortnight to win any of these things isn’t easy. Obviously I’m capable, but so many other people are capable too.’

Kyrgios retired from Australia at the United Cup on the eve of the tournament, citing a leg injury, but declared himself fit and ready on Thursday when he announced his investment in basketball team South East Melbourne Phoenix.

He will face Novak Djokovic in a training match at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night, with tickets selling out in an hour.

Djokovic was struggling with a hamstring injury in Adelaide last week and stopped a training session on Wednesday, but he was back on the court on Thursday, albeit with harnesses protecting the issue.

Expecting the clash to continue, Kyrgios says: “I haven’t heard anything else. He knows what to feel to move forward. But I had no doubt. I still think he’s a clear favourite.’

Kyrgios won men’s doubles last year and also reached the Wimbledon final in singles

Djokovic’s return to Melbourne after last year’s deportation will be one of the main themes of the tournament.

Kyrgios was one of the few players to publicly champion Djokovic and criticize his country’s handling of the saga, changing the relationship between the two men, which had been frosty.

Fans have already been told they will be kicked out if they are disruptive in their reactions to the nine-time Australian Open champion.

Kyrgios said: “I know people will always have people they hate on the pitch and people they love. I’m one of those players who grapple with it everywhere.

He says he welcomes the fact that he is no longer viewed as a dark horse by his rivals

“I would just say Novak is here and hasn’t made any rules. He’s here and he just wants to put on a show.

“He’s chasing things that athletes rarely get to pursue, he’s one of the greatest athletes of all time, not just on a tennis court. I know there will be people who don’t want him to win, but I think they just can’t cross that line as fans.

The first episodes of the Netflix tennis documentary Break Point, in which Kyrgios is one of the stars, will also be released on Friday.

“It wasn’t just for me,” said the Australian. “I think there is an urgent need for the tennis world to be put back on the map globally. Obviously with Novak and (Rafael) Nadal leaving as well as Roger (Federer).

“This Netflix show is kind of a last hope that tennis is going to be interesting on the map worldwide for a long, long time. We have many young personalities. I think the first episode is pretty exciting and I think it’s going to grab people’s interest for sure.’