Why Federer is excited about having Nick Kyrgios at the Laver Cup

Coming off a roller coaster of a summer tennis season, Nick Kyrgios is set to compete in the Laver Cup. Kyrgios, who was followed by controversy throughout the past few months, will be part of Team World with other players like Jack Sock, John Isner and Milos Raonic. But as the one that makes the most headlines of the six players, it seems that all eyes on his side of the court will be on him. It certainly seems like the case with tennis icon Roger Federer.

Federer on Nick Kyrgios playing at the Laver Cup

During a media press conference before the tournament, Federer said that he is glad Kyrgios is in the competition even if he has a streak of controversial behavior. He describes the Australian as being a good teammate as well, which could lead to a good result in the tournament.

It is worth noting that Federer’s management company TEAM8 is one of those who organized the first Laver Cup. In fact, they are still involved in the annual preparations for the event.

Kyrgios, even with all the controversies that he has been involved in, is still considered a major draw during tournaments. His popularity attracts a lot of people to games, which could be a consideration for other tournament organizers too.

Kyrgios’ turbulent summer

Kyrgios caused an uproar in the tennis community during the U.S. Open when he called the ATP “corrupt.” Because of this, there is a good chance that the tennis governing body may suspend him for as long as three years.

Earlier that month, Kyrgios also got called out because of questionable behavior during the Cincinnati Masters. The ATP fined the Australian player $113,000 for verbally abusing umpire Fergus Murphy and destroying rackets.

During this year’s Wimbledon tournament in the United Kingdom, Kyrgios also caused controversy when he was seen as striking a ball at world no.2 Rafael Nadal. He has been defiant in refusing to apologize for the incident.

Australian tennis legends divided on Kyrgios’ possible suspension

Meanwhile, Kyrgios’ potential suspension is getting a divisive reception in his home country of Australia. Tennis legend Rod Laver clarified that he still thinks that Kyrgios is a good player and that he should not be suspended after he was quoted differently. Fellow former world No. 1 Pat Rafter, on the other hand, said that he should have already been suspended for the way he has been behaving.

Roger Federer’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.3, Roger played his last match on the 3^rd of September when he was defeated by Grigor Dimitrov 3-6 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-2 in the quarter in U.S. Open.

This year the Swiss has a 43-7 win-loss record. Federer has won 3 titles in 2019 in Dubai, in Miami and in Halle. The Swiss was the finalist in Indian Wells and in Wimbledon.