“We need a clown for this circus” – These words were uttered by Roger Federer when he was down 1-5 in the second set tiebreaker.
You can understand his frustration. The young brigade don’t normally put up much of a fight after losing the first set to one of the greatest players of all time.
Federer’s record upon winning said first set was 901 wins against 67 losses.
Make that 68.
And, while you’re at it, put an asterisk next to that number and write: ‘Yeah, this Kyrgios kid is for real.’
Admittedly, it is peculiar this would have to be acknowledged. He did beat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon did he not?
True, but overcoming a great of the game on centre court is no longer the validation it once was. Just ask Sergiy Stakhovsky, Lukas Rosol and Steve Darcis, Rosol eliminating Nadal in 2012, Darcis doing the same in 2013, while Stakhovsky sent Federer packing that same year.
With the benefit of hindsight, these matches proved one-time peaks in otherwise pedestrian careers (though a lofty peak, it must be said).
So when Nick became the latest player to rock the tennis world at Wimbledon, many may have thought he got lucky, destined to be resigned to yet another track on an album of one-hit Wimbledon wonders.
But his victory over Federer at the Madrid Masters, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (14-12), validates his credibility as a future star of the game.
But even the term ‘future’ upsets many.
In beating Federer Kyrgios became the sixth player to beat Rafa and Roger in his first head-to-head battle with them. But, more importantly, he is the only one to accomplish such a feat while both were ranked in the top 10.
Having just turned 20, Kyrgios is 35th in the ATP rankings and following his successes at Madrid will climb higher. The tournament he played before this, the Estoril Open, culminated in a finals berth.
Too often the hashtag ‘NKRising’ is used, implying Nick has been gradual in his rise up the ATP hierarchy, when in actual fact he has been rapid, imposing himself on the behemoths of the game at the biggest of tournaments. Beneath that undeniable swagger lies an equally undeniable confidence, one not in any way daunted by the magnitude of the occasion or calibre of the opposition.
Too many seem to think Nick succeeds in spite of his on-court personality, when in fact he succeeds because of it. Sure, there are moments (such as his exasperation at a line judge during the first set against Federer) where such passion can prove counterproductive (he received a code violation as a result of his outburst).
But the positives of his attitude far outweigh the negatives, as his craving of the highest challenges tennis has to offer, as well as his success in rising (so far) to meet such challenges, quickly quell any notions of Nick proving a mere flash in the pan on the ATP circuit.
Forget him being a future threat at the majors and all events that follow. Nick Kyrgios is a force to be reckoned with right now.
David Lampe
Roar Rookie
I agree that Kyrgios is a star of right now. That being said, I still don't believe he is ready to legitimately contend at majors for another 2-3 years. He has the firepower in his game and the ability to lift for the big moment that will take him very close to the top of the game in years to come. It is a totally different thing backing this up match after match however, particularly at Grand Slam level. Winning 7 matches in a row to win a Grand Slam and beating a number of top 10 players along the way is virtually impossible for someone of his age and experience, regardless of how talented he is. In regards to the Federer win, it was a huge performance. As much mentally as anything. Federer is no longer a dominant force on clay, however I do still believe he can contest at majors, particularly at Wimbledon and the US Open. Whether he can actually snag another one however remains to be seen. The loss to Isner really isn't that bad in my opinion. Isner is just that kind of player. Anyone with his serve and forehand can beat anyone on their day. Sure, you need to be able to get over players like that in the huge matches but that will come with time. The loss to Lopez is more of a worry for me as was his inability to adapt to a radically different style of play on the day.
CW
Guest
Stars win the big games. Finals, which build reputations. Pulling out a huge upset like Nick did against the super Swiss was great for his resume but one swallow does not a summer make. He should have taken out the American, who is ranked far lower than Federer. He missed a golden opportunity. Nick obviously lacks the required mental stamina and maturity to handle crunch moments in his fledgling career. This is the difference between the men and the boys. Why do we constantly put so much pressure on our young sports people. Is it any wonder that many of them fail to convert brilliant junior career into a successful senior one. When Krygios wins his first ATP tournament then belt out the praise.
Chop
Roar Guru
That's the better point to make than his behaviour. If he's going to be in the top 10, he's going to have to be able to back up wins against the Federer's Nadal's and co because really he only made the 3rd round.
Kev
Guest
Then don't watch him.
Winston
Guest
I don't mind his behaviour. But I mind him beating Federer one day and then losing to Isner the next. Just not good enough!
Kaks
Roar Guru
He's still an arrogant twit who needs to pull his head in. Hard to watch him when he is so disrespectful.