Nick Kyrgios is considered one of the best talents in the last 20 years, yet his potential was on full display only a few times.
The most memorable run of Kyrgios's career was the Wimbledon run in 2022, when he made his way to the final. It wasn't a lucky run either, as he took down some pretty solid players en route to the final.
In round one, Kyrgios overcame native player Paul Jubb 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-7(3) 7-5. Round two saw him beat Filip Krajinovic 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. Stefanos Tsitsipas was beaten in round 3 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7).
Brandon Nakashima was beaten in the 4th round 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) 3-6 6-2. Christian Garin was his opponent in the quarter-final 6-4 6-3 7-6(5), while Rafael Nadal withdrew before their semi-final.
The final obviously was Novak Djokovic's comeback win over him 4-6 6-3 6-5 7-6(3). It was disappointing but not something Kyrgios obsesses about. That was one of those moments where you could see his full potential.
Another one was the Australian Open doubles win the same year with Thanasi Kokkinakis. That year is by far his best year ever on the ATP Tour, with injuries unfortunately cutting short that resurgence.
It's a shame because Kyrgios could have been so good if he had taken this seriously earlier in his career, and now, when he finally did, injuries completely destroyed the 2023 campaign, and he's yet to come back from that.
One thing has been constant through all of that, and that's the lack of a coach. Many wondered whether a coach could motivate and oversee Kyrgios meaningfully to help him stay dedicated, but the Australian shut that notion down many times.
He tried, but it never panned out. Tennis super coach Patrick Mouratoglu spoke to the Age about Kyrgios, noting his reluctance to be coached as well as his talent.
"The thing is, he needs to want to have a coach. You cannot work with a player who doesn’t want a coach. That will be his decision one day, or maybe never. We’ll see. The guy has incredible potential."
Mouratogou worked with many great players in his career, such as Serena Williams and Simona Halep, as well as Coco Gauff, Holger Rune, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who all attended his academy as well. He kind of understands where Kyrgios is coming from.
"He’s complicated. He’s complex. Sometimes I’m not even sure he understands himself. But watching him from the side for so many years, I can understand him. I can feel him. I think there are a lot of very smart things to do with him to make him a Grand Slam winner, or more."
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