Kyrgios tipped to shine on grass

SEBASTIEN Grosjean predicts Nick Kyrgios will transform French Open disappointment into Wimbledon success as the Australian firebrand continues to build form and fitness.

In his first interview with Australian media since joining the Kyrgios camp, Grosjean says Kyrgios can cut a swathe through the All England Club, but warns the talented Canberran is still a work in progress.

“He can go far, for sure, at Wimbledon,” Grosjean said.

“He has the game and he loves big matches. In the past, he was playing very well against the top players — he beat everybody. But he needs to do the everyday work for his body to improve.

“He has a good chance but he’s in a process.

“It’s a big challenge but he’s a great kid.”

Grosjean’s comments came as Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic advanced to the Roland Garros quarter-finals.

While Kyrgios worked to heal left hip soreness, Elina Svitolina, Simona Halep, Caroline Garcia and Karolina Pliskova reached the last eight.

A multiple grand slam semifinalist, Grosjean revealed he started hitting with Kyrgios when the right-hander was at his lowest ebb after secondround Australian Open defeat.

“We did some practices in Boca in February. We did a little bit after in March,” Grosjean said. “He wasn’t feeling well at all, mentally.

“We talked, we played a little bit but also going back to Australia for Davis Cup was a big thing for him.

“It was also a good choice because he has an amazing captain in Lleyton Hewitt and he also has a good coach in Jason Stoltenberg.

“That’s good to be in the team especially when you don’t feel well because Lleyton is going to help him.

“He wasn’t feeling well but he loves the game.”

Grosjean said Kyrgios was adjusting to the challenges of having a mentor for the first time in two years.

“He was doing whatever he wants because he was alone for so long,” Grosjean said. “He needs someone but he also needs space. He cannot have someone for 24 hours a day.”