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Australian tennis is about to get exciting

Roar Rookie
23rd February, 2015
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Nick Kyrgios' topsy-turvy career continues to surprise. (AAP Image/Mark Dadswell)
Roar Rookie
23rd February, 2015
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Another Australian summer of tennis is over, but for the first time in a long time fans have a reason to celebrate and be proud of the Australian contingent’s effort.

This is due to the exciting young talent moving up the ranks, and the rejuvenation of some tour battlers.

Nick Kyrgios lit up Melbourne Park as the ‘Wild Thing’ proved he is a world-class player, reaching the last eight of the Australian Open for the first time; the first Australian male to make it to that stage since Lleyton Hewitt 10 years ago.

The youngest player in the world’s top 50, 19-year-old Kyrgios needs to stay grounded or he will ruin his chance of being a future multiple grand slam champion. Kyrgios needs to change his attitude on court. His showman-like ability will not allow him to play his best tennis and thus be a true contender.

Take Gael Monfils. His acrobatics on court provides a great spectacle for fans, but this brand of tennis stops him from competing at the pointy end of tournaments. Kyrgios needs to avoid these antics because the talent’s there and if he stay fit and healthy this kid is going to be a star.

King Kyrgios is not the only youngster to get excited about. 18-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis had the biggest win of his career when he beat 13th seed Ernests Gulbis in a marathon five-set match in the first round at the Australian Open. Kokkinakis showed poise and resilience as he saved a handful of match points in the fourth set to send the match into a fifth, which he eventually won.

Kokkinakis showed composure and glimpses of brilliance throughout the match, especially when the pressure was on. Experience at major tournaments will help him mature and gain confidence.

Kokkinakis has the talent to join Kyrgios as a future champion.

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Still only 22 years of age, Bernard Tomic is considered a experienced player on tour as he has been pro for seven years. Tomic has been in the press for all the wrong reasons, with his egotistic manner and issues with his father making headlines. It was a case of too much too soon.

In spite of this Tomic was back at his best for over the summer, displaying some clinical tennis in his own unusual style. He beat some tough competition in events at Sydney and Brisbane, and made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open. Tomic has the ability to be a very solid player but tennis needs to be his sole focus. However Tomic is still very young and his efforts over the summer clearly show he is moving in the right direction.

Tour battler Sam Groth played very consistent tennis to make it to the third round of the Australian Open. He also had a good tournament in Sydney, where he pushed world number 6 Milos Raonic to three sets. The serve is Groth’s obvious strength, allowing him to win many free points which is a huge advantage.

Tennis in our country has a bright future, and our impressive young talents are poised to hit the big time. With Lleyton Hewitt to take over the reins as Davis Cup captain when he retires, Australia could become a powerhouse on the international stage once again and lift the Davis Cup trophy for the first time since 2003.

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