Problem hits home for Kyrgios
NICK Kyrgios says more Australian-based events should be introduced on the ATP Tour as the divisive talent joined Andy Murray in lamenting the arduous length of the season.
The 22-year-old, like Murray, will use this week’s Brisbane International to return from a hip injury and says he is ticking all the boxes ahead of the Australian Open.
That pair, along with Novak Djokovic (elbow) and Rafael Nadal (knee) are battling ailments, with Murray on Sunday suggesting more players would start taking mid-season breaks to prolong their careers.
Kyrgios, who admits to often struggling for motivation, thinks the season is too long and would love to see more tournaments played on home soil to offset the travel toll.
“I don’t know why we don’t,” he said.
“I think people would be more than willing to come back (and play) here throughout the year.
“For us in Australia – I was on the road for four months last year – that’s pretty tough when I want to spend time with my family.”
The men’s Australian swing features 250 series tournaments in Brisbane and Sydney, then the Australian Open before the tour heads overseas.
“We have three tournaments here and you look at the guys from America and in Europe who have so many tournaments and as Australians I think we’re a bit disadvantaged being away for so long,” Kyrgios said.
The world No.21 is happy with his preparation as he seeks to improve on an awful 2017 grand slam record that didn’t see him past a second round.
“I’m feeling good, it’s the new year so not too much to go wrong just yet,” he quipped. A DESIRE to reach his full potential is driving Matthew Ebden’s latest surge, with the resilient all-court player tipping the best is yet to come.
The 30-year-old beat American up-and-comer Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-2 at the Brisbane International yesterday in a continuation of the form he showed at the back end of 2017 to set up a secondround clash with Nick Kyrgios.
Ranked 699 in the world 12 months ago, Ebden is now sitting in 76th spot, just shy of the career-best No.61 he achieved in 2012.
The South African-born Perth professional enjoyed many years of consistency either side of the top 100 before injury interrupted.
Now over a knee complaint that set him back in 2016, Ebden says his game is more evolved and age is not a factor.
“For sure, I’m a better player. Whether or not that shows in rankings is yet to be seen,” he said.
“Nearing the end of my 20s, you start thinking this isn’t forever ... but I know the level I can play at, you don’t lose that, it’s not a fluke.
“I think I can do a lot better than I’ve done in the past and that’s what motivated me to get back up again.”
Ebden pushed Belgian world No.7 David Goffin in a deciding-set tie-breaker loss in Japan last year and will give himself every chance of spoiling Kyrgios’ return from a hip injury when they meet for the first time today or tomorrow.
“Nick’s a good player, just like everyone else,” Ebden said.
“He’s got a great serve – it’s one of his biggest weapons – and he’s good around the court. I’ve got to serve well myself and come out and play a really high-quality level.”
Kyrgios was surprised to learn of the extent of Ebden’s resurgence, but said he had always rated his more senior compatriot.
“I didn’t even know that he started (the 2017 season) outside 500,” Kyrgios said.
“He’s always had potential to be a very good player.
“He’s a great athlete and confidence goes a long way in the sport and if he gets a bit of confidence, with his game style, he’s tough to beat.”
HE’S ALWAYS HAD POTENTIAL TO BE A VERY GOOD PLAYER. HE’S A GREAT ATHLETE AND CONFIDENCE GOES A LONG WAY IN THE SPORT AND IF HE GETS A BIT OF CONFIDENCE, WITH HIS GAME STYLE, HE’S TOUGH TO BEAT