‘Good’ Nick lights it up
EVERY Saturday The Chronicle talk about the big issues in sport locally, nationally and internationally.
Today Glen, Jason and Sean are talking about Nick Kyrgios – has the Aussie ace turned the corner after his ATP 500 title win in Acapulco last week? Can he finally turn all that talent into big titles?
Sean: How good was it to see Nick salute and lift the trophy!
It has been long overdue, but through no fault of his own.
Some media circles would have you believe that the men’s tour is a cakewalk, and Nick simply hasn’t been trying.
I have never bought into that and won’t start now.
A simple look at his Twitter feed will tell you he is the same bloke that rubs some people the wrong way, but he is merely being himself.
He’s bold, brash and loves winding people up and calls out those who try and drag him down.
As soon as people accept that he is not going to be the traditional poster boy, that he has his own way of approaching things, and that he is out there busting his backside and trying to win, the sooner people can get around him.
I’d love to see him pick up another title or two to round out the year, and continue to keep a few of the knockers silent.
Glen: I remember writing in this column many moons ago when Kyrgios first burst onto the scene with his mouthwatering tennis skills and childish behaviour that what you see is what you get with Nick.
I think I said don’t expect him to change and he hasn’t.
The bloke is a genius with a tennis racquet, but as sure as night follows day his buffoonery is equally as outlandish.
But that’s what makes him tick. He is hard-wired to react on any given day at opposite ends of the spectrum.
He is so talented I think he somehow gets bored with trying to maintain intensity at an elite level and therefore lapses into his strange antics to keep himself amused.
And you know what. He couldn’t care less about what you, me or anyone thinks about his behaviour. Krygios is his own man. That’s what makes him so good, bad and at times difficult to fathom.
Just marvel in his good stuff and laugh off the crap. He’s capable of anything.
Jason: We’ve fired our fair share of volleys at Nick here in Soapbox – but we’re also quick to praise effort and achievement – and Nick deserves praise here.
Nick beat three of the world’s top 10 players (Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev and John Isner) and three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka on the way to the title which is an achievement in itself.
How he did that – playing exciting tennis – also deserves praise.
However the ‘thing’ I’ve noticed most of late is Nick’s demeanour – he seems to be enjoying his tennis more.
Fingers crossed he keep that vibe going and we see him make a good run Slam this year. at a Grand