Federer ‘can show me how’

– Nick Kyrgios believes he can learn from Roger Federer (above) if he’s to salvage a controversial career which has seen little return on the bags of talent at his disposal.

The fiery 23-year-old Australian bowed out of the US Open on Saturday, going down 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 to 20-time Slam winner Federer in the third round.

For many, his visit to New York this year was his tennis career in a nutshell.

Exasperated by a perceived lack of effort in his second-round match, umpire Mohamed Lahyani even controversially came down from his chair in a desperate attempt to get the Australian to try harder.

Now, having lost for the third time to Federer, Kyrgios believes the Swiss great can steer him on the right path.

“I think we’re two very different characters,” said Kyrgios.

“But I think, you know, just the way he goes about things, I could take a leaf out of his book.

“The way he behaves on court, his demeanour. He’s the ultimate role model to anyone who wants to play.”

Saturday’s defeat left Kyrgios still unable to improve on his best Grand Slam performances – runs to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2014 and last-eight in Australia in 2015.

At Roland Garros and the US Open, he has never reached the second week.

He still has time on his side, but he knows the clock is ticking.

“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with my career. I think there is a lot more to be done and there is a lot more to be explored,” he said. – AFP