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Opinion

King Nick and his tennis dilemma

Roar Pro
10th January, 2020
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Roar Pro
10th January, 2020
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Love him or hate him, you can’t say Nick Kyrgios isn’t a fascinating individual.

We have all been frustrated with the tantrums and the supposed lack of effort as he seemingly wastes his once-in-a-generation talent with his attitude towards the sport that provides him with millions of dollars and a lifestyle many would kill for.

It is clear the natural gifts Kyrgios has are arguably as good as those of any player I’ve seen in the 30-odd years I’ve been watching the sport. The serve, the power he generates from seemingly nowhere, the impossible winners and the outrageous trick shots.

Unfortuantly for Kyrgios, he is playing the wrong sport!

Nick Krygios

(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Over the past few years we’ve caught a glimpse of another side of Kyrgios that many have overlooked. That of the team player. The guy who will give his all and then some to try to get his team over the line. The guy who rallies and supports his teammates to rise above themselves to get the job done for the greater good.

There is a noticeable change in the demeanour and attitude and the joy he displays on the court when he is representing Australia in the Davis Cup and currently in the ATP Cup.

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His love of basketball has been well reported. He seems to enjoy playing pickup games with his mates more than he does his chosen sporting profession. The passion with which he spoke when Andy Murray was forced out of the game through injury is another demonstration of how Kyrgios seems to be more of a team guy than the focused, some would say selfish, individual players need to be to succeed on the tennis circuit.

We have seen this week the generosity and love he has for this country in the way he led the way for sportspeople to donate to the bushfire relief and the way he called on Tennis Australia to get behind the efforts.

I would suggest you all have a read of this article written by Kyrgios about the bushfire disaster as it gives a great insight into his thoughts

I just hope that all those who like to jump on his back the moment he makes a mistake remember the good things Nick Kyrgios does. Unfortunately tennis is not really a team sport

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