Nick Kyrgios explains how playing basketball helps him in tennis

is a strong football fan. The Australian player launched a new line of shoes with Kyrie Isponsoredorised by Nike and he always tries to play basketball when he can. I got a pair of the Kyrie Wheaties, like 6-7 months ago now and literally when Ive played basketball Ive played in the Wheaties and all my friends and everyone who sees me wearing them are like bro, put them back in the box, you cant wear them and Im like I have to, Kyrgios told Complex.

Kyrgios feels pleased with his basketball abilities and he also compared himself to a NBA Star: I kind of see myself as like, a LeBron-type figure [laughter]. I play small forward, when I was younger I was a bit chubby, when I played basketball I was a power forward cos I could kinda throw my weight around a bit.

Now when I play, I play shooting guard or small forward. I like to shoot. I actually like to play defense a lot, defense is probably the most fun part of the game for me. I like the uniqueness and creativity you can have on a basketball court; theres always a different way to score.

Obviously, you have teammates, so its easier to draw up plays, and tennis you have your patterns and where you should hit based on percentage. But for me, I kind of play on instinct; I play on doing whatever feels comfortable and feels right to me, and thats an instant translation to what people do on the basketball court.

You look at Kyrie, he does whatever he thinks is the right thing to do in that situation, whether it be to go to the right, go to the left, shoot, fadeaway. I feel like if I can hit that shot, it may be unconventional but Im gonna go for it.

Kyrgios is dealing with a knee injury. We will see if he will be able to play the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam next. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title