Zen-like Kyrgios’ focus is on Simon
NICK Kyrgios has lifted the lid on his new-found focus as tennis’s most unlikely Zen master braces for a true test of character at the Australian Open today.
Suddenly driven by higher forces, Kyrgios faces Gilles Simon for a place in the third round refusing to look beyond the veteran Frenchman and former Open quarter-finalist.
Australia’s 23rd seed could strike world No.1 Rafael Nadal in the last 16 in what looms as one of the spiciest matches of the tournament following their back-and-forth sniping at each other last year.
But Kyrgios only has eyes for Simon, now aged 35 and ranked 61st in the world but a dogged opponent and longtime former top-tenner.
“That’s going to be a battle. I’m not thinking ahead at the moment,” he said after easing to a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-1) firstround win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Even a blackout on court didn’t seem to perturb the usually combustible star who said playing for bushfire victims and being a tennis crusader for Australia’s relief program had helped change his attitude on the court.
“I guess it’s just a perspective thing, isn’t it? Why am I really getting mad on the tennis court with everything going on?” Kyrgios 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 for every ace he hits this summer and now even one-time critic John McEnroe — who once condemned the Australian’s “bonehead behaviour” as being like a “Vaudeville entertainer” — is on board.
Inspired by Kyrgios, McEnroe has announced he will donate $1000 to the bushfire relief for every set Australia’s top men’s hope wins during the Open.
Games. “I wanted to play just as much the last time the Olympics were around,” Kyrgios said.
“I feel like if I’m there, I’ve got a genuine shot at winning a medal, one. I’d love to be there with the other athletes representing Australia, two.”
Kyrgios edged Simon in two tight sets in their only previous encounter, last August in Washington.
A repeat would pit the world No.26 into a third-round tussle on Saturday with Russian 16th seed Karen Khachanov or Swede Mikael Ymer.