Nick Kyrgios is a huge talent that divides the game of tennis. He carries on like a spoilt brat on and off the court and has for too long gotten away with this poor behaviour. Now at the age of 20, he must grow up and realise his enormous potential.
Kyrgios finally broke through to win his first ATP tour title last Sunday the 21st February. He was in sublime form beating Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet and Marin Cilic on the way to clinching the Marseille Open title. Kyrgios didn’t lose a service game or set during the tournament and has climbed to 33rd in the world rankings.
The biggest surprise was how the Canberran conducted himself after the victory. He was unusually subdued and mature during his post match acceptance speech and press conference. ‘Yeah, it was a good feeling, but, you know, it’s just a tennis match,’ Kyrgios said after defeating former US Open champion Marin Cilic 6-2, 7-6 (7-3).
Kyrgios’ win last week also saw him serve out his six-month suspended sentence for sledging Stan Wawrinka last year. That infamous sledge saw Nick’s public approval rating slump to an all-time low. It was disrespectful and downright disgusting.
Kyrgios needs to understand that the game of tennis is bigger than he is. Being a world class tennis player isn’t just about training, playing, signing a few autographs and living a lavish lifestyle. More importantly it’s conducting yourself with grace and dignity like the great Roger Federer does and becoming a role model to millions of tennis loving children.
For all his faults Kyrgios is still the most entertaining tennis player on the planet with his brash style of play and outlandish behaviour. His sublime form at Marseille continued at the Dubai Tennis International during the week. He eventually lost in the semi final after retiring hurt against Wawrinka. After only two solid weeks of tennis, Nick may be finally realising what is required to compete against the best in the world.
Kyrgios has the talent to become a top five player but it’s his behaviour that gathers most attention. Yes he is loud. Yes he swears. Yes he smashes racquets. Yes he argues with umpires. Yes he swaggers. Yes he is often rude to reporters. While I love to see a sportsman wear his heart on his sleeve there is a difference between passion and arrogance.
His win at the Marseille Open lacked the usual mouthing off, drama and meltdowns that has become the norm for the young Aussie. I hope that finally he has realised that he must let his tennis do the talking. He has the ability to take the Australian tennis baton from the retired Lleyton Hewitt. Please keep wearing your heart on your sleeve Nick, but at least switch your filter on.
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