The past few weeks have been rough for Nick Kyrgios’ team and PR manager (if any). After an explosive meltdown in Cincinnati and a controversial statement about the ATP, a possible suspension may be applied to the Australian player. Kyrgios was already facing a record $113,000 fine after the Cincinnati incident but when he called ATP corrupt, calls have been made for him to be suspended for as long as three years.
About Nick Kyrgios’s suspension
One of the loudest voices that is advocating for a suspension is from a former world no. 1 and an Australian legend. Rod Laver, who represented Australia in the world stage, thinks that Kyrgios needs to learn. He believes that the previous punishments done to the younger player did not work and that harsher punishment may be needed.
Talking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Rod commented
“Whatever they have done hasn’t worked so far, so maybe a suspension is the only answer. I’m not sure he’s learned anything from any of the things that have gone on.”
While Laver still thinks that Kyrgios has huge potential, the controversies that he creates are distracting everyone from his gameplay and public persona. He particularly pointed out Kyrgios’ fantastic serving ability as a sign that he would go far if he took his work more seriously.
Another former Australian professional tennis player has also weighed in on the debate. Sam Groth, who peaked at no. 53 in singles and no. 24 in doubles, had the opinion that tennis needs Kyrgios more than he needs the sport. This is because Kyrgios is said to be someone that can sell off tickets in tournaments, which is something not a lot of players can do.
Kyrgios’ incidents
While puzzling statements and outburst have become common for Kyrgios, he may breach another level last month in the Cincinnati Masters when he broke tennis rackets when pretending to have a toilet break and called the umpire as “the worst ref in the game hands down.” He even brought up tennis icon Rafael Nadal at one point, saying that he is being treated in an unfair manner.
He also has a questionable relationship with other tennis players. He once called Djokovic’s celebrations “cringeworthy” while calling Nadal “salty.” He also thinks that Fernando Verdasco is “arrogant.”
What’s next for Kyrgios?
While he is awaiting the ATP’s judgment on whether he will be suspended, Kyrgios is expected to participate in a special event that is coincidentally named after the aforementioned Laver. The Laver Cup, which will be held in Geneva, could be Kyrgios’ last event of the year if the rumored suspension comes true.
There is also a possibility that Kyrgios turns out to be in the Olympics next year. If Australia’s national association nominates him, he will be able to make up for his absence in Rio three years ago, which he pulled out of.
Nick Kyrgios’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.30, Nick played his last match on the 31st of August when he lost Andrey Rublev 7-65 7-65 6-3 in the 3rd round in U.S. Open.
This year the Australian has a 21-13 win-loss record. The Australian clinched 2 titles in 2019 in Acapulco and in Washington.
Rod Laver |
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