IS NICK KYRGIOS THE AUZZIE VERSION OF A “PUNK KID” LIKE ANDRE AGASSI WAS ? AND WHAT’S WITH BERNIE TOMIC DOING TRASHING CRAIG TILEY ? ONCE A PUNK ALWAYS A PUNK ?

Written by: Staff on 26th January 2015

IS NICK KYRGIOS THE AUZZIE VERSION OF A "PUNK KID" LIKE ANDRE AGASSI WAS ? AND WHAT'S WITH BERNIE TOMIC DOING TRASHING CRAIG TILEY ? ONCE A PUNK ALWAYS A PUNK ?

epa04578008 Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during his third round match against Malek Jaziri of Tunisia at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2015. EPA/LUKAS COCH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

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.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia smashes his racket in a fit of rage as he plays Andreas Seppi of Italy during the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, 25 January 2015. The Australian Open tennis tournament runs from 19 January until 01 February 2015. EPA/JOE CASTRO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

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.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia in action against Andreas Seppi of Italy in their fourth round match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 25 January 2015. The Australian Open tennis tournament runs from 19 January until 01 February 2015. EPA/MADE NAGI

“There appears to be something about the Australian mentality that delights in knocking somebody just because they are young and different. The Davis Cup captain Patrick Rafter and coach Josh Eagle are even repeatedly criticizing him, which cannot be helpful for Nick right now. (Like either of them were angels ? Pat played a Davis Cup after drinking and Josh …. Where does one start ……

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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10sBalls_com says:

January 26, 2015 at 9:23 am

IS @NickKyrgios THE AUZZIE VERSION OF A “PUNK KID” LIKE @AndreAgassi WAS?… http://t.co/ctFq1ym8Rg #tennis #Melbourne #AusOpen #AO2015 #ATP
Nadalchukwu says:

January 26, 2015 at 9:26 am

RT @10sBalls_com: IS @NickKyrgios THE AUZZIE VERSION OF A “PUNK KID” LIKE @AndreAgassi WAS?… http://t.co/ctFq1ym8Rg #tennis #Melbourne #A…