Master coach Nick Bollettieri predicts Nick Kyrgios will be among the best in the tennis world, but how far he goes will depend on “what’s between his ears”.
When Bollettieri speaks, wise men listen.
The 83-year-old American has been instrumental in the great careers of Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, Jim Courier, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Marcelo Rios, Boris Becker, and Kei Nishikori, to name a few.
There’s no doubting Kyrgios’ qualities, it’s how he harnesses those qualities is what Bollettieri sees as the guiding influence.
The way Kyrgios beat Richard Gasquet at Wimbledon last year in a five-set thriller, and two rounds later demolished Rafael Nadal in four sets to reach the quarters, were magnificent examples of what could be in store.
But some danger signs are there.
To the 19-year-old tennis is a toy, he loves playing with it, and even though he boasts a bazooka serve and powerful ground strokes, tennis is a play thing for Kyrgios.
But he says his life and attitude will change when he turns 20 on April 27.
In the meantime, Kyrgios has serious Australian Open business at Hitense Arena against Roger Federer’s shock conqueror Andreas Seppi, but not before 6.15pm.
On paper, Kyrgios has far too much fire-power for the Italian.
After three rounds, Kyrgios is third on the aces ladder with 72, behind John Isner’s 89, and Gilles Muller’s 80. Seppi is nowhere in sight.
Both are tall timbers – Kyrgios 193cms, Seppi 191 – but Kyrgios is a slather and whack attacker, Seppi concentrates more on guiding his returns.
If Kyrgios had an on night, Seppi won’t know what’s hit him.
Bernard Tomic will be third cab off the Hisense Arena rank today, up against a formidable opponent in Czech Tomas Berdych, the seventh seed.
Which Tomic will turn up – the aggro Tomic, or the switched-on controlled Tomic?
If it’s the latter, the 22-year-old is quite capable of an upset.
He’s 10th on the aces ladder after three rounds with 57, Berdych equal 19th with 36.
So Australia’s future is far brighter with Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic showing the way.
As it sits, Tomic is in the top half of the draw,with a win over Berdych likely to set up a meeting with Nadal,if the Spaniard isn’t suffering from a recurrence of his injuries, or illness.
Kyrgios is in the bottom half, with success over Seppi will see Andy Murray waiting, if he can overcome the very promising Grigor Dimitov,
Bring it on.
bigmick1
Guest
Quarter finals on debut at Wimbledon, now, 6 months later, QF again in the oz open. Kid is already putting in top ten in the world, or thereabouts, performances. Nonetheless, he always looks too slouching and all over the place. Consistency will be an issue. Could be the Poo all over again.
Jwedlake
Guest
if Tomic becomes successful, he has Kyrgios to thank. Am I the only one or has anyone else noticed how much better Tomic is playing now since Kyrgios burst into the scene. Even his interviews are similar to how Kyrgios does his. For example saying how much he respects Hewitt blah blah blah. The only thing Bernard Tomic respects is lap dancing. And his true colors came out to play when he criticized Sam Groth's style of tennis. Who is he to pass judgement on another player? Even the world number one respects all his opponents. And it makes it worse when he is condemning another Australian. Did he ever think about what his words will do to the confidence of Sam Groth? Bernard Tomic is a fraud. He's only trying to be the nice guy because he can't stand being outdone by Kyrgios.
TomCahill
Guest
Not sure why the ace count is so critical, it isn't that relevant. Also, does the Roar make the headlines? Because there was only half a quote from Bollettieri, and it was one that anyone could have offered.