The 22-year-old is planning on setting up a facility for underprivileged children in Melbourne in an amazing act of selflessness contrary to the on court persona which has helped build an army of detractors.

There was never a question as to if Kyrgios had the talent to rise to the top of international tennis, but a string of incidents, including a fine and suspension for tanking last year, had many questioning his priorities.

Now it seems he knows his true dream and that is to help children who need it most.

"I think I've found my purpose in the last couple of months," Kyrgios wrote in an essay published in the Players Voice (www.playersvoice.com.au).

"I'm building something. It's going to be sick."

"Tennis is a great life – we're well paid and the perks are pretty good – but it can feel empty if you're just doing it for the money.

"I love kids. I get more happiness from helping kids out and watching them succeed than I do from my own wins on the tennis tour. It's always been that way.

"If my vision is realised, it's my hope that I'll be remembered for this more than anything I have done or will do on the tennis court."