Lay off Kyrgios – he’s only 21
IT’S unfortunate for Australian sporting fans that our highest-ranking tennis player carries on like an illmannered flog on the world stage.
When Nick Kyrgios is good he is among the brightest young stars in the game, but when he’s bad, he’s really bad. He can go from passionate competitor to petulant pork chop in minutes; abusing fans, umpires and opponents on the court and journalists in post-match press conferences.
Some may argue that the journalists deserve it but Swiss champ Stan Wawrinka certainly didn’t deserve to be sledged with “(Thanasi) Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you that, mate” at the Montreal Masters last year. For that indiscretion Kyrgios was fined, but it was the harsh criticism from the tennis world that must’ve really stung.
Instead of busting his gut trying to get the best out of himself, Kyrgios often seems disinterested, indeed even disdainful of the sport that has made him a multi-millionaire at the age of 21. Last year, not long after he beat the great Roger Federer, Kyrgios confided, “I don’t really like the sport of tennis that much,” explaining that he preferred basketball.
The ATP World Tour is forgiving but their patience was tested one too many times by Kyrgios’s all too regular meltdowns which threaten the integrity of the game, particularly given his habit of throwing points, games and even matches. It was only a matter of time before he copped a harsher penalty than the usual inadequate fine after his antics at the Shanghai Masters infuriated fans and officials alike.
Kyrgios now has the dishonour of being the first elite player to be suspended for behavioural issues since the great John McEnroe in 1987, some eight years before Kyrgios was born.
He has been suspended for eight weeks with the penalty reduced to three weeks if he submits to “a plan of care under the direction of a sports psychologist, or an equivalent plan approved by ATP”.
It is unclear whether he’ll take the full sanction or opt to undergo counselling. Tennis Australia is keen for him to seek professional help to overcome his demons and perhaps it’s time for his parents to join him on the tour permanently.
It’s an arrangement that seems to work in the strange world of tennis, where some players in their 30s still travel with a parent.
It was at least promising to see some contrition from Kyrgios after his ban.
“Following the ATP’s decision ... I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again for the circumstances in Shanghai,” the statement read.
“The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer. This is no excuse and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans – in Shanghai and in other parts of the world.”
The truth is that though Kyrgios acts like a tool on the court, he is said to be a pleasant and shy young man off it.
He is certainly supremely talented and expert opinion is that he could be a top-five player with just a little focus; indeed some predict he could be the great player of his generation.
Kyrgios has behaved appallingly and been rightly punished and roundly criticised by all, including me, but he deserves a chance to redeem himself. He is, after all, only 21.
Despite his shenanigans, it’s puzzling to see the level of venom directed at Kyrgios by sporting fans who ordinarily overlook an athlete’s character flaws if they are stars.
The disdain for Kyrgios is out of all proportion to his “crimes”. Sure, he has behaved like a prat, but the main victim of his misbehaviour is himself.
We have seen generations of footy fans, including members of the media, turn a blind eye to player indiscretions from the trivial to the criminal. But for some reason Kyrgios doesn’t get that sympathy. Let’s not forget that he didn’t bash anyone, nor is he a drug cheat; he is a tool with poor impulse control who needs to grow up.
He can either go down the Mark Philippoussis path of wasted potential or emulate Lleyton Hewitt who, after a rough beginning, went on to win over fans and get the very best out of himself.
No one expects Kyrgios to be perfect but he can’t afford another brain explosion in which he disrespects the game by throwing a match.
There are only so many “second chances” fans will give you.