Nadal can wait: Zen-like Kyrgios focusing on Simon

NICK Kyrgios, tennis’s most unlikely Zen master, has lifted the lid on his new-found focus as he braces for a true test of character tonight at the Australian Open.

Suddenly driven by higher forces, Kyrgios will face Gilles Simon for a place in the third round and is refusing to look beyond the Frenchman, a 2009 Open quarter-finalist.

Australia’s 23rd seed could face world No.1 Rafael Nadal in the last 16 in what looms as one of the spiciest matches of the Open after their sniping at each other last year.

But Kyrgios only has eyes for world No.61 Simon, 35.

“That’s going to be a battle. I’m not thinking ahead at the moment,” Kyrgios said after easing to a first-round win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

The usually combustible star said playing for bushfire victims and being a tennis crusader for the relief program had helped change his on-court attitude.

“I guess it’s just a perspective thing ... why am I really getting mad on the tennis court with everything going on?” he said.

“Every match I’ve played this year, I’ve been pretty good.

“It’s probably because of everything going on.”

Kyrgios has pledged $200 to bushfire relief for every ace he hits this summer. Even John McEnroe, who once condemned the Aussie for “bonehead behaviour”, is on board, announcing he will donate $1000 for every set that Kyrgios wins during the Open.

“It was awesome ... I’m sure a lot of people appreciate that,” Kyrgios said.