At the time of writing, Nick Kyrgios was ready to play Roger Federer in the Miami Open semi final and was on the verge of his first ITP 1000 tour success.
Win or lose, it has been a great month or so for Kyrgios, including two wins over Novak Djokovic and two wins also over fellow young gun Alexander Zverev.
But it has been the manner of his success that has got the tennis world talking. Over the past two months, we have seen a more composed Nick Kyrgios and, even though he is always going to be volatile, he has managed to control himself, get through difficult periods and keep winning.
The quarter final win over Zverev went to three tight sets, but Kyrgios managed to hold on, while finding the time for a few trick shots and even a shout out to Zverev that he should challenge a line call, resulting in a replayed point and a lost point to Kyrgios. You get the feeling that these two have a respect that will continue for years to come.
If we cast our mind back to the Australian Open in January, it was a completely different story. Kyrgios lost in five sets to Andreas Seppi in the second round after winning the first two sets comfortably, and then left Hisense Arena to a chorus of boos. The press conference was equally bizarre, with Kyrgios indicating his physical preparation wasn’t ideal and that mentally he wasn’t in a good space. Many thought that Kyrgios would throw the towel in, and most didn’t care.
Then came Lleyton Hewitt and the Davis Cup. That Davis Cup against the Czech Republic at Kooyong saved Kyrgios’ career. Spending time with Lleyton and the team helped him to regain his best form and get the crowd on his side.
Along with the return to the tour of his girlfriend, Ajla Tomljanovic, Kyrgios now had an expanded support crew on tour, which he clearly needs. Straight after the Miami Open, he will be heading to Brisbane for the Davis Cup tie against the United States.
Kyrgios’ career appears to be sky-rocketing and his current ranking of 16 could soon lift into the top 10. Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic continues to decline, shortly out of the top 50, and I strongly doubt that he will be back.
Kyrgios has always had more ‘x-factor’ about his game than Tomic, but the division between the two is more due to Kyrgios admitting that he was a mess and needed help. The coach is still to be appointed but this time it is likely to happen.
Of course, the realists among us will suggest that Kyrgios’ real test will come when he loses a few matches. And it will, but no-one seems to get too upset when Djokovic smashes his racquet or Andy Murray swears at his box. Even Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt were hotheads when they were young.
Nick Kyrgios is only 21 and has already been under the spotlight for a number of years. He would be first to admit that he has made some major mistakes in his career, all of which have turned Australian tennis fans against him. But, he is only 21.
If he continues his trajectory of the past two months, he is destined to reach the top level. I, for one, am a glutton for punishment and ready to give him another go.
Mark L
Guest
The crowd for the semi vs. Federer were feral. They were trying to light the Kyrgios fuse and hope that he would go off. But he showed he was better than that and was 2 good serves from a win. Alas it didn't happen but the guy is an outrageous talent. Interestingly I noticed his mother in the crowd supporting him, but not his father or brother. Maybe I missed them or perhaps they share the travelling and supporting role. Or maybe there has been a change in approach by the family? Whatever they are doing, its working!
Angela Hartigan
Guest
It takes immense courage to return to the court after earlier mistakes and be judged by others who never put themselves and their emotions on the line. Win or lose he has my respect for being able to do just that.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Yes, I think his time has arrived. If he carries his form into Wimbledon, he would have to be a big chance
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks Diggerbill. Re Tomic, I don't think Tomic will quit but I dont really see his game as being big enough to challenge. He might be one of the many champion junior players who don't quite get there in the open ranks. Maybe he will stay in the top 50 but I wouldn't be surprised if he fell outside.
David Holden
Roar Guru
He hasn't helped himself, but the crowd might have strongly backed Federer as the aging champ vs the new-ish arrival. I don't think Mirka Federer did herself any favours with her behaviour either.
FJ47
Guest
Thanks, agree with your comments about taking his disappointment in losing as a positive for his future. It's not that long ago that he wouldn't have seemed to care.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Not a fan of Nick, but his smashing the racquet is a good sign that he actually cares and wanted to win. I think against the 'big' boys of tennis he does care. The games he has tanked I don't think he truly cared about. Crowds are fickle and can turn on a dime. Hewitt was hated for a long time and the crowd turn around on him and he received great support in his latter years. In-spite of still acting like a tool at times (he was still mouthing off at officials in his last game). We all were pretty stupid at 21. I will give him a few more years before I pass too harsh a judgement on him.
BrainsTrust
Guest
Smashing rackets is preferrable to giving up , there was a guy in the old days who threw one into the crowd. Winning friends and being well liked is good for the bank balance thpigh look at Pat Rafter.
Tennis lover
Guest
It's what all the other greats said about that match that did it for me: Becker: It doesn’t get any better than this. We should embrace Nick Kyrgios for bringing energy, quality, youthfulness, spirit into tennis. Nadal: “He’s not the next generation. He’s the generation now. Federer: He’s (Kyrgios) on such a good run, he’s such a great player, so it was a special feeling. I think he has bypassed McEnroe - doesn't want to go down that path - and his owning up to being a mess in January has freed him to become what the commentators said on Friday. It was the match of the year between perhaps two of the greatest players around. One had two very expensive coaches: the other had his mum and his best mate.
Diggerbill
Roar Rookie
If he just waits a minute or so he can demolish all of his racquets in the locker room and no one will know about it. He's got to learn that winning the crowd over matters because it does. Also Tomic will be back into the top 50 for sure. He's not going anywhere, the lifestyle and money are too good. He doesn't have the talent for the top 20 but between 30-50 he will be in and out of for years to come I suspect.
Craig
Guest
The crowd jeering him shows the level of respect he has earns. With more performances like this he'll win back crowds in time, but for now... he's still a jerk.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Good observations, David. I am also ready to give him more time to mature and get his head in the right place. As I mentioned in Hugh Clarke's article, Laver may have had as much influence on Kyrgios as Hewitt and the Davis Cup:- " Darren Cahill, during the match, mentioned that Kyrgios seemed to take on board the criticisms (and praise) that Rod Laver made during the Aus Open. He apparently literally went away and came back for the Davis cup tie, a couple of weeks later, with a new serious and positive attitude. " As for his " tanking " - he showed no sign of giving in against Zverev or Federer ( or Djokovic ). In fact I took it as a good sign that he smashed a racquet when he lost against Federer.