"Kyrgios doesn't argue with umpire as much" - Evert

Saturday, 25 June 2022 at 05:30

Updated at Tuesday, 03 December 2024 at 16:47

bySam Frape

Nick Kyrgios often receives bad press over his on-court attitude, but recent work has not gone unnoticed by legends of the game.

Arguing with umpires, smashing racquets and overall bad attitude is, amongst other things, what Australian star Nick Kyrgios is known for amongst some tennis fans.

However, in recent months and years, the man from Down Under has got to work like never before in his career. Many think it was the Grand Slam trophy in his home country in doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis that flicked a switch mentally for Kyrgios, but one thing is for sure is that he has recently seemed like a transformed player, more focused than ever.

In the run-up to Wimbledon, Kyrgios has played three grass-court tournaments. Reaching two semi-finals, he was forced to withdraw from Mallorca with the aim of focusing his efforts solely on the year's third Grand Slam at SW19.

Despite missing the whole clay court swing, hitting the ground running was exactly what Kyrgios needed to prove that he was still a strong contender to go deep at Wimbledon.

This new form has not gone unnoticed in the tennis world, with the Aussie gaining praise for his newfound form and, seemingly, motivation. 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert has taken note of this newfound Kyrgios.

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“I’ve been watching him a lot. I feel like since the Australian Open, where he won the doubles title and he had that match with Medvedev, something clicked in him because lately when I see him play, he seems more committed in his game."

“Yes, we still see the occasional arguing with the umpire, but it’s not happening as much. He seems fitter and like he has belief in himself now. When everyone said, ‘Why isn’t it happening, he’s lazy’ and they criticized Nick, I always said it will come in his own time. When he wants it, it’s all his … and it seems like it is getting nearer to that time.”