Nick Kyrgios is placed outside the top 80 for the first time since July 2014 and this incredible performance at Wimbledon. The Australian has only played 22 games since early 2020, stayed mostly at home in Australia during the pandemic and refused to travel and compete.
Kyrgios played two events at home in Melbourne this February before taking another break until Wimbledon as he struggled with injuries and lack of form. Nick had to give up after the second set against Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon and had a short season in Atlanta, Washington and Toronto after only one win.
Kyrgios will look to improve his results at the US Open, still traveling without a coach and relying on his own skills to set up the right tactics if he has and wants any.
Greg Rusedski praised Nick Kyrgios’ talent, but not his commitment
Greg Rusedski praised Nick as one of the most talented players of the Open era alongside Roger Federer and John McEnroe. Still, the former major finalist knows that it takes a lot more to achieve a remarkable career, including commitment to the practice range and other elements.
Nick’s last memorable tournament took place in Washington in 2019, when he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final and never reached the quarter-finals again! In 2020 Nick didn’t miss tennis, but he hasn’t reached the level of two years ago as he faces a lack of motivation and constant injuries.
The Australian has to work hard at the start of the US Open and will meet Roberto Bautista Agut in the opening round on Monday evening. “The problem is he doesn’t want a coach. He’s had a significant influence around him – Lleyton Hewitt, a grand champion.
The Australian tennis coaches have a fantastic system. There is nothing I can say to Kyrgios. The only person who can make that decision is himself if he is to become a champion. He’s more concerned about gaiters on social media and other things.
He could be a great guy for tennis; he just doesn’t put the work and effort into it, and if you don’t … the older you get, the harder it gets. He’s just as talented, if not more than Roger Federer or John McEnroe.
But it doesn’t matter how ridiculously talented you are. When hard work, daily effort and dedication isn’t better, “said Greg Rusedski.
–
