Last year was up and down for Nick Kyrgios – as it is for many of the greats during their first few years on the Tour. No doubt Nick had some bad losses and bad moments but he has really turned it around this year and looks incredible. He’s also very controlled and mature on the court with perfect demeanor and good sportsmanship. You have to respect the way he is playing this year and carrying himself – like when he beat his good friend Andy Murray in Hopman Cup. After the winner on match point Nick put his head down and came to net – no excessive celebration to rub it in on his good friend. Andy loves Nick and even calls him “Box Office” – you could see that they have a special connection during IPTL and the interviews they have done together. Andy truly adores Nick which is a wonderful endorsement for Nick’s character. Jack Sock is also a big buddy of Nick as is Lleyton Hewitt. Nick is looking amazing right now and he’s just 20 and already has winning head to head records vs Rafa and Federer – that is an incredible feat for anyone let alone a 20 year old. It certainly appears that Nick “King” Kyrgios is headed on the path to be the heir apparent to Novak Djokovic with his flashy and explosive game. If Kyrgios is not the future ATP king then who is?
Kyrgios turn around has been Agassi like
Andrew Miller · January 8, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Will Kyrgios, Thiem leapfrog Raonic, grab a slam? Maybe. I doubt it. But you can’t predict in this sport.
Rob · January 8, 2016 at 8:54 pm
I love that Kyrgios serve. Hitting it on the way up is so very deceptive.
Dan Markowitz · January 9, 2016 at 10:55 am
Watching Thiem play Federer and although he lost the first set 6-1, this kid is dang good. His backhand is Wawrinka-powerful and I love how he prepares so early on both sides. He’s a special special player and to have Dimitrov and Thiem coming up now, with basically the same game as Federer in their variety and racquet skills, it’s exciting to watch. I like Kyrgios, but I’m partial to the one handers.
Scoop Malinowski · January 9, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Rob: Kyrgios serve will be the best in the sport in a couple years – so easy so explosive, he just walks right up and blasts away – devastating weapon –
Scoop Malinowski · January 9, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Raonic and Kei under big pressure this year. Make or break year for them – and for Dolgo and Tomic too.
Scoop Malinowski · January 9, 2016 at 6:30 pm
It’s nothing short of amazing that Fed can just routine a guy like Thiem like he did today – Fed has not lost ANYTHING yet at 34 – Rafa meanwhile looked dead today vs Djokovic – Wonder if it’s just a matter of time before Djokovic starts obliterating Fed like he did Rafa today —
Andrew Miller · January 9, 2016 at 10:13 pm
Agree with Dan – Thiem hits a great ball. Dimitrov does too. I think Thiem’s serve is more “stable” than Dimitrov. Both of them have work to do to match Federer’s fitness, toughness.
Thiem plays a lot of Wawrinka ball. Heavy ball. Nice backhand.
Scoop Malinowski · January 10, 2016 at 8:10 am
Can definitely see Thiem developing into a Wawrinka type wrecking machine in a few years – the kid has the game and the mind – Thiem is an inch taller than Stan –