Australian opinion is divided about Nick Kyrgios as the 19 year-old prepares to face former Wimbledon and US Open champion Andy Murray in a bid to become the first home semi-finalists at the year-opening Grand Slam since Lleyton Hewitt ten years ago.
The pro Kyrgios supporters point at the Canberra youngster’s exciting form in only his seventh major tournament and applaud his determination and refusal to capitulate after going two sets down against the far more experienced Andreas Seppi before fighting back to win 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 8-6.
Kyrgios’ critics maintain his brash on court behavior is unacceptable and loutish. His loud and repeatedly offensive self-admonishments are clearly picked up by the television microphones although umpire Fergus Murphy opted against giving him any warning for audible obscenity. And he has developed a habit for breaking rackets that before too long will put him in the same class as serial offenders Goran Ivanisevic and Marat Safin.
Both social media and phone-in discussions on Melbourne radio were full of debate about whether Kyrgios is good or bad for the country. He also showed little respect for officials or ball kids and swore at members of the crowd, including one person using their cell phone.
Kyrgios has already been fined Aus $4,926 (US$3,892) for racquet abuse and audible obscenities during his first-round match against Federico Delbonis last Monday. Now Grand Slam coordinator Bill Babcock and tournament referee Wayne McKewen must decide whether his behavior warrants a further financial penalty.
One Australian tennis follower tweeted: “I know there’s a lot of pressure, but screaming at the ball boys / girls for your towel isn’t cool.” Another offered: “It seems winning excuses disgusting behavior.”
However former Australian no.1 and Wimbledon champion Pat Cash was ready to support Kyrgios. “I’ve known Kyrgios since he was about 15. He was part of a junior Davis Cup squad that I was given responsibility for looking after,” he said. “Back then it was abundantly clear he was an Alpha Male who all the other kids followed around. But his success on the tennis court is infectious.
Pat Cash tweeted. “Let’s get behind Nick Kyrgios. Let’s enjoy the sight of a young Aussie going a long way in the tournament. I never won the Australian Open, neither has Lleyton Hewitt or Patrick Rafter. Don’t knock youth because this kid has a chance of succeeding where we failed.”
Topics: AO2015, Australian Open, Bernard Tomic, Craig Tiley, Melbourne, Nick Kyrgios, Tennis
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RT @10sBalls_com: IS @NickKyrgios THE AUZZIE VERSION OF A “PUNK KID” LIKE @AndreAgassi WAS?… http://t.co/ctFq1ym8Rg #tennis #Melbourne #A…