WHERE’S ST NICK?

KYRGIOS IN SPOTLIGHT: P40

FORMER Wimbledon champion John Newcombe has identified how tennis malcontent Nick Kyrgios can overcome a nightmare 2017 to finally live up to his massive potential.

Kyrgios was troubled by a hip injury through most of last year and struggled at Grand Slams – advancing to the second round just twice at the major events.

But despite his combustible temperament, Newcombe said the Canberran’s body would determine how far he goes in 2018.

“I hope Nick is asking himself the question, ‘Am I fit enough?’,’’ Newcombe said.

“He should be thinking, ‘the Slams were terrible – I didn’t do myself justice there’.

“It’s not just about playing one or two five-set matches.

“A Slam can be seven over two weeks. If you want to do well in the Slams you have to do the physical work.”

TRIPLE Wimbledon champion John Newcombe will be looking for signs in Nick Kyrgios of better on-court temperament and more success in longer rallies when the Australian takes up the cudgels for 2018 today at the Brisbane International.

Newcombe said he hoped to see the often erratic Kyrgios enjoying his tennis when he takes on Australian No.2 Matt Ebden, at Pat Rafter Arena today in an intriguing round of 16 match-up.

“Also, does he look physically fit, like he’s ready to run for five sets?” he said.

“When he gets up against players who keep him in long rallies he doesn’t win many rallies beyond about eight shots. Then he drops off a lot.

“That could be fitness. It could be that he’s a flatter hitter of the ball.”

Kyrgios was badly hampered at some tournaments by a hip injury last year, but claims he is more professional now in maintaining the hip and strengthening it in the gym.

It’s a belief that will be tested first up in the daytime heat, albeit in the third match of the day against Ebden, 30.

“I know there’s going to be some ups and downs this year, but, you know, hopefully it gets better every year,” Kyrgios said. “I had some great moments last year and some tough ones as well, but hopefully things go right.”

Brisbane International organisers could do with Kyrgios’ polarising star power to be around to deep in the week after having lost Rafael Nadal (knee) to injury and Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza and local Ash Barty out in their first matches.

“We all obviously want to do well in our backyard, but for me it’s just another week,” Kyrgios said. “There’s pressure every week. You got to keep things in perspective.”

The Brisbane International’s third seed, who is playing it for the first time, recorded two wins each over Novak Djokovic and top-five player Alex Zverev at ATP events last year but badly needs to impose himself at Grand Slam events after taking out two matches at the four majors in 2017.