Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios will be carrying extra pressure playing at the home of the Boston Celtics

Nick Kyrgios says he’s set for an “array of emotions” he doesn’t get at any other event as the Australian star prepares to lead Team World at the Laver Cup event in Boston.

A huge Boston Celtics fan, Kyrgios has been living out a boyhood dream while practicing at the famous TD Gardens in Boston, where the NBA powerhouse plays its home games.

The 26-year-old said there was “added pressure” playing with some of his NBA idols watching, but that the event, against a European team without Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, was a “special opportunity”.

“I had an experience to play in Chicago in the Bulls’ arena and that was a special moment. Obviously you had Scottie Pippen watching us play on the sideline, and you see the banners hanging from the roof,” Kyrgios said.

“I think everyone sitting here knows how special it is to be in such a great arena with so much history and so much sporting greatness to come out of this building, to be a part of it. I have played in Madison Square Garden, I’ve played in the United Center. I’ve played in the TD Garden now.

“I never thought when I was 12 to 14 that I’d be playing, representing the world with some good mates, some good friends. It’s a special opportunity to go out and do something special.

“There is going to be some Celtics players watching as well, and that’s added pressure. If we can come out with a win, it’s going to make it even more special that we did it in such a special place as well.”

Kyrgios has played in the first three editions of the Laver Cup, but this time is the senior player in a seven-man World Team looking to take down the Europe outfit headlined by US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.

The Australian likened the team event experience to playing Davis Cup for Australia, and hoped it could help him produce his best tennis.

“I don‘t usually cry much when I lose matches, and I went through a couple tough, tough losses here against Roger in Prague, and Jack [Sock] had to kind of come up to me and comfort me in that moment,” Kyrgios said.

“It definitely brings out an array of emotions that you don’t feel, I don’t feel when I’m playing any other event.”

“Davis Cup is obviously similar to this. I think this carries a bit more weight.

“You don’t know how long you’re going to be at this level and how many times you’re going to play Laver Cup. I’m just going to embrace it again and these guys will enjoy it.”