Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has revealed he has a new-found sense of direction – and that it is helping his game.

The 22-year-old reached the final of the China Open last week and sits 21st in the world rankings despite a disappointing year at grand slam tournaments.

In a column for PlayersVoice, Kyrgios has written that a project he has been working on has inspired him in recent weeks.

“I think I’ve found my purpose in the last couple of months,” Kyrgios wrote. “I’m building something. It’s going to be sick.”

Kyrgios went on to outline his vision – and says it is that which is inspiring him on the tennis tour.

“A couple of years ago, I had a vision: to build a facility for disadvantaged and underprivileged kids where they could hang out, be safe and feel like they were part of a family,” he wrote.

“There’d be tennis courts and basketball courts and a gym and an oval to kick the footy. There’d be things to eat and beds to sleep in.

“A few months ago, I discussed this with my mum, Norlaila, and my brother, Christos. It’s all I’ve been thinking about outside of tennis since then.

“When I’m not playing, training or travelling, I’m working on this. We are currently in the process of scoping out land in Melbourne and looking for organisations and businesses to partner with us.

“This dream is going to become a reality.

“For the first time, I feel like there is a reason for me to be doing what I’m doing. 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.”

Kyrgios said that in 20 years, he wants to be more known for his work with the community – and that he would not be afraid of getting his hands dirty in the process.

“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,” he added.

“I’m going to be hands-on whenever I’m home. I’ll spend a few days catching up with everyone in Canberra, and then I’ll drive to Melbourne to get stuck in at the facility.

“I’ll run tennis camps, shoot hoops, cook, clean up … whatever is needed.

“I don’t reckon there can be anything better in life than giving kids a chance when they otherwise wouldn’t have had one.”

Kyrgios, who admitted he was far from knowing he had “life all figured out now”, said he “lost a bit of composure” in his China Open final against Rafael Nadal last week, but that he was happy with his performance.

Following the clash, Nadal advised Kyrgios to “keep going” and that he would “have a lot of success in the sport” if he kept composed.