I hated the McEnroe and Nastase antics. Connors was a different story, because he could keep it under control. But the reasons that tennis players are less misbehaved comes down to two things: Federer and Hawkeye. Federer has been a model of fair play and lack of gamesmanship. The younger players idolize and emulate him. Hawkeye, had it been available, would have have kept McEnroe in check. Argue with a machine?
3
I can watch him play tennis for short bursts, but who cares if he can play basketball. Even more, who cares what he has to say..
Has he even reached the semi's of a grand slam? McEnroe won his first major at age 20.
Has he even reached the semi's of a grand slam? McEnroe won his first major at age 20.
4
Let me know when he wins a Grand Slam, or at least a Masters 1000 event; until then he is simply one other player on the tour. He is arrogant and immature. Someone does really need to sit him down and explain to him his incredible opportunity, otherwise he will just be another underachieving individual and not even a footnote....
3
"Pretty much everyone around the game agrees that he has the talent to reach No. 1 and win a fistful of majors." That read like a Trump pronouncement. Kyrgios is talentless in the singular part of the game that separates #20 from Major Champion --- he's got zero between the ears and in his heart.
5
Bottom feeding branded content article and player.
It's what the Pro tour has become since there is no place to go after 2 decades of turning a blind eye to performance drug testing.
What a shame pro tennis has become.
Don't forget to pick up the sponsors brochure on the way to the train.
It's what the Pro tour has become since there is no place to go after 2 decades of turning a blind eye to performance drug testing.
What a shame pro tennis has become.
Don't forget to pick up the sponsors brochure on the way to the train.
1
it's good for tennis that nobody is as poor a sport as McEnroe was.
4
From these commits I conclude that the country club crowd believes that their sport is unlike all others. In their alternate universe players play for the love of the sport, not anything as grubby as money, and they behave like gentlemen/ladies at all times or risk being rejected by the membership committee or kicked out of the club. In reality, tennis is a lucrative business and a successful career of just a few years can set a player up for life. The sport attracts the second most sport bets and matches have likely been fixed. To give herself an advantage, one of the top-ranked women players has taken PEDs for years and there are suspicions about other players as well.. All of these issues have been swept under the rug while fans concentrate on ranting and raving about one very, very talented player who doesn't conform to their tennis fantasy. Tennis has problems all right, but Krygios' lack of enthusiasm, outbursts, etc. are at the bottom of the list.
4
There's something about Nick Kyrgios I like very much. maybe it's because I believe behind his bad behaviour on court (and there's no denying that) there's a fun-loving, honest, way too sensitive young man who's a bit put off by the big money guys everywhere, the win at all cost ethos, if you haven't won a Slam you're nobody, obsessive training themes that define modern tennis. And I like to watch him play, he's so talented and unique. He can be electrifying, When he's engaged and focussed, he's one of the best and for those who criticize him for not winning??? You don't get to be nr. 17 in the world by not winning. I do hope he sticks with tennis, but he has every right to go play basketball if that's what he wants. Maybe he's just more of a team sport kinda guy.
4
seriously, why should we watch Kyrgios play tennis when he rather be doing something else and bothers to tell you that?
3
this article talks about his talent, his marketability, his temperament, and his immaturity. What is left out is any analysis of what seems to be his stupidity in not taking full advantage of this rarified opportunity that only a relative few ever have.
His cavalier attitude and lack of respect for the game and tennis fans is inexcusable.
He seems to love basketball. He should, then, instead of believing playing video games was more important than being professionally ready for a match, rent videos of one of the greatest who ever played the game, Michael Jordan. Hopefully he could learn something.
Jordan's work ethic, the high performance standard he set for himself at all times, his determination to win; and his respect for the game is the complete antithesis of Kyrgios's unprofessional, infantile attitude and behavior.
Perhaps he will change, if not, he is in danger of becoming a one-note caricature. The patting of his faux- hip hair style, and the turning up of his shirt collar to boost his confidence, just before he faces an opponent, is no replacement for hard work off the court. It is merely a pathetic, adolescent gesture.
His cavalier attitude and lack of respect for the game and tennis fans is inexcusable.
He seems to love basketball. He should, then, instead of believing playing video games was more important than being professionally ready for a match, rent videos of one of the greatest who ever played the game, Michael Jordan. Hopefully he could learn something.
Jordan's work ethic, the high performance standard he set for himself at all times, his determination to win; and his respect for the game is the complete antithesis of Kyrgios's unprofessional, infantile attitude and behavior.
Perhaps he will change, if not, he is in danger of becoming a one-note caricature. The patting of his faux- hip hair style, and the turning up of his shirt collar to boost his confidence, just before he faces an opponent, is no replacement for hard work off the court. It is merely a pathetic, adolescent gesture.
10
I understand the need to have a new star to sustain the sport and fill the stadium seats. However, surely there must be another - with more promise and some common sense when it comes to speaking in public. If not, you better keep searching!
5
Being a true champion is a pipe dream if your heart isn't into it. Maybe he should just concentrate of basketball instead of boring us with his fickle and indifferent tennis tease. For all his millions and potential as a champion - "power is nothing without control" - impressive is not a descriptive that fits well. Yawn.
5
Is he any good at basketball? The article briefly alludes to it, but we never really learn. Does he have a legitimate chance to be a two-sport athlete? (The omission makes me think "no" ...)
3
I remember McEnroe well and can't say that his antics "entertained" me although I do like him but Kyrgios "entertains" me way less and I honestly can't watch him at all.
4
Thank you for this well written article. Really interesting to read.
I got one can't understand why everyone's so unsettled that the NYT mag chose to make this their front page story. Should we only read about perfection? Sure he's a spoiled brat. Not unusual for a 21 year old. Do I wish he'd shape up more and focus on achieving his potential? Sure. But for now I'm happy to just enjoy what he brings to the game just the same way I enjoy the more traditional players.
I think he'd do better had he been American. Australians are a tough crowd
I got one can't understand why everyone's so unsettled that the NYT mag chose to make this their front page story. Should we only read about perfection? Sure he's a spoiled brat. Not unusual for a 21 year old. Do I wish he'd shape up more and focus on achieving his potential? Sure. But for now I'm happy to just enjoy what he brings to the game just the same way I enjoy the more traditional players.
I think he'd do better had he been American. Australians are a tough crowd
7
Kyrgios who? In two seasons, he will be completely forgotten by those who were made aware of his existence from this article. A has-been at 23.
6
Dear NY Times, could I have the 6 minutes of my life back that I used to glance through this article?? This piece was heavily advertised with an intriguing photo . . . and then had zero interview content with a guy who appears to be too busy playing video games to offer an interview.
12
Too bad the author of such a long article in the Times doesn't know the difference between sarcasm and irony.
He writes: “It’s important to find a balance between Pokémon and training,” he said, with only the faintest hint of sarcasm.
That's a perfect example of irony and not sarcastic at all. The rule of thumb is that sarcasm is irony used to hurt someone's feelings.
He writes: “It’s important to find a balance between Pokémon and training,” he said, with only the faintest hint of sarcasm.
That's a perfect example of irony and not sarcastic at all. The rule of thumb is that sarcasm is irony used to hurt someone's feelings.
9
Sorry, but Nick is a first class loser.
I can't wait for him to fade into the background where he belongs.
I can't wait for him to fade into the background where he belongs.
5
To paraphrase Louis Pasteur: chance favors the prepared... and Kyrgios hasn't a chance. I suspect if he was any good at his beloved basketball, he'd be in the NBA, too, but he's not.
And Federer is just a "little bit tedious"... IF your business is selling tickets and you've lost to injury/age the single biggest draw the sport has ever seen. Otherwise, Federer is just the most gorgeous player the world has ever been privileged to watch, with an acumen for the game and demeanor to go with it.
And Federer is just a "little bit tedious"... IF your business is selling tickets and you've lost to injury/age the single biggest draw the sport has ever seen. Otherwise, Federer is just the most gorgeous player the world has ever been privileged to watch, with an acumen for the game and demeanor to go with it.
9
As an Australian, I am embarrassed by the antics of Kyrgios on and off the court.
12
As an Australian, I was second this comment. The sooner he disappears from tennis the better.
4
This column alludes to something I suspect the writer felt he ought not to say, but which I’m prepared to say outright.
As an Australian, I cringe when I see Kyrgios behave badly on court. But as an Australian of Greek parents, I understand what it’s like to grow up with attitudes to excellence and effort skewered differently from northern European (aka English/American/Australian) beliefs and values. Boys in Greek families are spoiled rotten for a long time into their development and excellence is prized. However, it is excellence without effort; discipline and application are not customary Greek virtues.
So, Kyrgios is talented and knows it. He can play very well and do it effortlessly. But to be consistently excellent requires years of discipline and effort which the spoiled kid in him tells him it’s ok not to do. In the years to come, will he regret not getting to No. 1? Probably, but he’ll rationalise it away as too hard, a path for jerks. On the other hand, if he ever learns the connection between hard work and excellence, the sky’s the limit and this article will be seen as prescient.
As an Australian, I cringe when I see Kyrgios behave badly on court. But as an Australian of Greek parents, I understand what it’s like to grow up with attitudes to excellence and effort skewered differently from northern European (aka English/American/Australian) beliefs and values. Boys in Greek families are spoiled rotten for a long time into their development and excellence is prized. However, it is excellence without effort; discipline and application are not customary Greek virtues.
So, Kyrgios is talented and knows it. He can play very well and do it effortlessly. But to be consistently excellent requires years of discipline and effort which the spoiled kid in him tells him it’s ok not to do. In the years to come, will he regret not getting to No. 1? Probably, but he’ll rationalise it away as too hard, a path for jerks. On the other hand, if he ever learns the connection between hard work and excellence, the sky’s the limit and this article will be seen as prescient.
12
How many grand slams has Kyrgios won so far?
9
Luigi and Keyes please. Enough on childish young men who are of no interest to me or to the game.
15
Am I supposed to be impressed by someone just because he hits a few lucky shots between his legs and gets a big crowd reaction? This guy has never even made it to the semi-finals of a slam event. Given his absolute reluctance to put in the training and practice, and an obvious lack of fortitude, it could be he never will. Celebrate talent and hard work, not a few lucky shots per match.
18
In regards to personalities and Rebels, you're forgetting Andre Agassi, who was considered a very colorful figure indeed early in his career
5
Kyrgios is not the problem. Yes, he is immature, but I know very few 21 year olds who are not. The problem is all the people out there who believe that just because someone is good at something they must LOVE it. That's not reality. Instead of believing the young man when he says he doesn't love the sport, they play arm-chair psychologist and work up excuses for him. When someone tells you who they are believe them. If someone tells you he doesn't get full life satisfaction out of chasing around a green ball, believe him.
20
If, by referring to McEnroe as entertaining, you mean childish, self-centered with a tendency toward continuous tantrums, then I'll be sure to watch something else when Kyrgios is playing. Thanks for the heads up.
23
Youth has its own beauty, therefore we allow and forgive the antics of same...to a point. There are scores of professional athletes in all sports who truly love what they are doing in spite of struggles to merely survive and eke out a living at their chosen sport. For the sake of his future, be it in tennis or basketball, he will hopefully realize the gifts he has and make the most of his talents and not reflect later on in life of what could have been.
There are individuals who at some point begin to appreciate what they have and begin anew and have great careers. Andre Agassi is great example of a "rebel" who devoted himself to his sport and reached great heights and admiration of his peers and fans. His antics and partying caused him to fall in the tennis rankings to 149th in the world. He then realized the folly of his ways and rededicated himself to his chosen sport and not only reached great heights, winning 8 grand slams and Olympic gold but also becoming a great ambassador for tennis as Roger Federer has become. Then again, it's Kyrgios' right to define success on his own terms and be happy.
There are individuals who at some point begin to appreciate what they have and begin anew and have great careers. Andre Agassi is great example of a "rebel" who devoted himself to his sport and reached great heights and admiration of his peers and fans. His antics and partying caused him to fall in the tennis rankings to 149th in the world. He then realized the folly of his ways and rededicated himself to his chosen sport and not only reached great heights, winning 8 grand slams and Olympic gold but also becoming a great ambassador for tennis as Roger Federer has become. Then again, it's Kyrgios' right to define success on his own terms and be happy.
9
We've over monetized and over glorified professional sports.
Behaving like a jerk makes you marketable. Sound familiar?
Behaving like a jerk makes you marketable. Sound familiar?
23
yes, Manziel is gone and can Kapernick be far behind?...big talent, big disappointments
3
He's makes millions a year being bratty, undisciplined, wistful and talented. He travels the world and is content with being where and who he is. He's twenty-one years old.
His detractors would trade their job for his, along with his idiosyncrasies, in a heart beat, if they could.
So take all the swipes at him that you can. He'll wake up tomorrow, at whatever time he wants, kiss his girlfriend, hit some balls or play Pokeman Go and put a few hundred grand a day into his bank account.
Deal.
His detractors would trade their job for his, along with his idiosyncrasies, in a heart beat, if they could.
So take all the swipes at him that you can. He'll wake up tomorrow, at whatever time he wants, kiss his girlfriend, hit some balls or play Pokeman Go and put a few hundred grand a day into his bank account.
Deal.
12
In the subtitle of this piece, Kyrgios is called perhaps the "most entertaining" player since John McEnroe Entertaining? Curses and tantrums by McEnroe only served to weaken the fabric of social civility further, and most likely helped pave the way for the clod of all clods, Donald Trump.
19
I couldn't agree more with some of the other commentators – I have no interest in people like this. I would walk in the other direction rather than watch him. Starting with McEnroe, we continue, thanks to television and, no doubt, money, to genuflect ever more deeply to whomever can raise the bar of outrageous behavior. Give me the likes of Hoad, Rosewall, Laver, Newcombe any day. Then, first class tennis was a joy to watch. Now, it's about as interesting as flat soda. His picture says it all – crucifix between his teeth? Really?
21
Seriously. What is up with the chain in the mouth?
14
I have "recommended" this reply and wish I could do more in support of this viewpoint. Perhaps this comment reflects our age...when indeed we were treated to the likes of Rosewall, Hoad, Laver, Sedgeman, and the like. Alas, our time has passed, but there are lights which still shine...Federer, and Djokovitch, the brightest.
4
How many days do those of us who read online have to view this picture of a grown man sucking on his necklace like a two year old? Yes, I know the NY Times thought it was important enough to have a much too long article about him in the magazine section. Representing him behaving like a toddler makes me think the article is not worth wasting my time. I wish it would disappear from the website.
29
Being great at something doesn't obligate a person to do it. This guy sounds like he's pretty in touch with what he likes to do; not everyone is. Good for him.
I will say this: he may, in fact, be a good looking, magnetic guy. But you wouldn't know it from that picture. Sheesh!
I will say this: he may, in fact, be a good looking, magnetic guy. But you wouldn't know it from that picture. Sheesh!
8
How such a brat gets such a write-up in the NYT is beyond me. Too much money too early dulls the ambition to achieve either in sports or as avoid human being. At one time regarded as the better behaved of the new young Aussies - now trying to prove otherwise
11
It sure is.a.sexist double standard. Serena has been.dragged through the.mud for her occasional outbursts, this guy has not won a thing and he is regarded as cute.
I don't mind him, I do mind the double standard however.
I don't mind him, I do mind the double standard however.
2
All I got out of this article is that Kyrgios is telling us all that up to age 21 Pokémon is the place to be and after age 27 Basketball should be next. So I stopped reading after 5 minutes. I wasted my time; thanks NYT.
10
How far has Australian tennis fallen. From Laver, Rosewall, Emerson, Hoad, Fraser, Sedgman, Cash and Rafter all great players and gentlemen, it has descended to Kyrgios and Tomic. These spoiled tennis brats will never measure up to their predecessors in either talent or demeanor and the only thing they deserve is contempt.
13
Very sad that he chooses to embrace certain clichés, rather than strive to make his countries proud.
5
What a great article on the Johnny Manziel of tennis- Childish, media-fueled bad boy with some talent, little toughness and absolutely no future.
10
Have not seen this fellow play any sport. The photo inspires me to put him on my "must miss" list. What is this supposed to be? Some sort of angry champing at the bit, with an overlay of Christian iconography? A little over the top. Just a little.
15
Poor choice for an article: a young man who is squandering his talent, is personally uninteresting and immature and has accomplished nothing in tennis. Those who say that men's tennis in the last 10 years has been "boring" don't appreciate the level of play and the elevated degree of sportsmanship that has been displayed. This golden age is clearly passing and it is unlikely that we will see it again.
10
Give me Federer vs. Nadal, or Djokovic, or Murray any day over this supposed rebel.
7
Please remove this hostile narcissistic face. Three days of seeing it is too much.
23
Great players have either or both of the following character traits:
1. They hate to lose, perhaps even more than they love to win.
2. They constantly look for a way to win, look to exploit any gap, any opening, any half chance.
NK has neither. He may have the talent but that only goes so far. He does not have the temperament. Worse, he is a brat. The tour did not do him a favor by not coming down harshly on his many on-court behavioral issues. More than anything else at this time, he needs a strong coach, someone who will smack some sense into him so he will do justice to his talent.
1. They hate to lose, perhaps even more than they love to win.
2. They constantly look for a way to win, look to exploit any gap, any opening, any half chance.
NK has neither. He may have the talent but that only goes so far. He does not have the temperament. Worse, he is a brat. The tour did not do him a favor by not coming down harshly on his many on-court behavioral issues. More than anything else at this time, he needs a strong coach, someone who will smack some sense into him so he will do justice to his talent.
12
Bob: Strong coaching would obviously help Kyrgios, but the reality of the professional tennis game is that the players call the shots with their coaches, not vice versa. (At least at the top rankings, where players can afford coaches...)
If it were the other way around, Andy Murray would likely have a couple of more majors, instead he has been all over the place with his coaching selections. (Fortunately he saw the value in hiring (and then re-hiring) Lendl, who pushed him beyond his comfort zone and got him to the "next level.") The rare exception to the player principally calling the shots is someone like Nadal, who is tight with his family and has his uncle as his coach (and seems to be a naturally disciplined person, which helps). Richard Williams also played that role with Venus and Serena.
Kyrgios would appear to have a lot of choices, especially coming from Australia, which has a long tennis tradition. Problem is, he would probably fire a serious coach almost immediately, and most serious coaches would know that and take a pass. That would leave coaches who are only going to enable his behavior for a paycheck.
If it were the other way around, Andy Murray would likely have a couple of more majors, instead he has been all over the place with his coaching selections. (Fortunately he saw the value in hiring (and then re-hiring) Lendl, who pushed him beyond his comfort zone and got him to the "next level.") The rare exception to the player principally calling the shots is someone like Nadal, who is tight with his family and has his uncle as his coach (and seems to be a naturally disciplined person, which helps). Richard Williams also played that role with Venus and Serena.
Kyrgios would appear to have a lot of choices, especially coming from Australia, which has a long tennis tradition. Problem is, he would probably fire a serious coach almost immediately, and most serious coaches would know that and take a pass. That would leave coaches who are only going to enable his behavior for a paycheck.
7
The guy is 21!!! 21. Federer was still having tantrums and throwing his racquet at that age. He's the youngest guy in the top 20, and every year he's getting better and better. It's good that he isn't the plain old vanilla that the rest of the top players are. Top tier sport is entertainment, and tennis has become less and less entertaining as a result of racquet technology and player fitness improving. Now we rarely see any variation in game style. It's all baseline slogging. Serve volley players can't compete, and the best players are the guys who are fittest (Novak and Andy), not necessarily the best ball strikers.
The game is becoming gentrified enough. We should celebrate somebody a little bit different, which is what I think this story is doing.
The game is becoming gentrified enough. We should celebrate somebody a little bit different, which is what I think this story is doing.
7
Brett: I can appreciate the enthusiasm for Kyrgios and his style. But Fed took his first major (Wimbledon) when he was 21 years old, added another 3 over the next year, and with his plain old vanilla style now has 17 majors to his name, 88 overall career titles, and at 35 is still ranked 4th in the world.
So at Kyrgios's age of 21, Federer was already on an ascending arc to tennis immortality. Of course, Kyrgios's story has mostly yet to be written. However, comparisons with Fed might be more reasonable after Kyrgios bags a major and then goes on to bag a half-dozen more, don't you think?
Finally, by most accounts, Murray and Djokovic are considered among the best/cleanest ball strikers actively playing the game today, if not the top two…
So at Kyrgios's age of 21, Federer was already on an ascending arc to tennis immortality. Of course, Kyrgios's story has mostly yet to be written. However, comparisons with Fed might be more reasonable after Kyrgios bags a major and then goes on to bag a half-dozen more, don't you think?
Finally, by most accounts, Murray and Djokovic are considered among the best/cleanest ball strikers actively playing the game today, if not the top two…
2
Tennis, the country club sport, has always valued "plain vanilla".
This was a very well written articles. Thank you, NYT. Good writing like good tennis takes more than "talent". It takes hard work, discipline, focus on the court, tenacity and desire (and alot of other intangibles that have nothing to with hitting shots between your legs) to make it into the top 10 much less win a Grand Slam. What it takes is more than Kyrgios seems to willing to give so I expect we will continue to hear about how a great a talent he is until he ends his career and fades into the shadows. And by the way, I don't think he cares and I don't blame him for not caring.
2
I don't understand peoples comments stating displeasure at having this man on the cover of NYT Magazine. The Editor's chose to profile this man for a reason and I found it interesting to read. Must one be the favourite? the most talented? and the most polite? to be considered worthy of a spot in the NY Times? Isn't reading about someone other than the 'top' or the 'best' why we read the magazine in the first place?
18
Maybe it's Trump-weariness. I for one am tired of seeing people rewarded for their immaturity and foul-mouthed insults and put-downs.
7
As an Australian living in the US, I am ashamed at the profile Kyrios gets by his entitled-child tantrums. It does not deserve attention. It makes me turn off any game he is in. I feel there is very real and palpable anger underneath the theater and it reeks of bullying and cowardice (the basis of bullies). While his sponsors try to spin it as 'bad boy' Rodman, he has a distinctive whiff of violence. No signs of the grace of a Federer, who early in his career had a few missteps but by the age Kyrios is now, had corrected. Choose better profiles, NYT.
28
America will take this tennis player if Australia takes back Rupert Murdoch.
12
You are welcome to both! Kyrgios is an utter embarrassment to most Australians, and Murdoch loathsome.
3
It's surprisingly refreshing to hear someone say that they would rather settle for being in the 10-20 ranks, and give up the championship rat race, if it allows for more fun training regimens and other life interests. Maybe there's more to life than chasing after the gold with a singular obsessive focus. This 21 year old kid just might be wiser than most people I work with.
www.outlookzen.com
www.outlookzen.com
12
Actually the player of the moment is Andy Murray. Novak and Rafa both have sore left wrists. Murray lost in the Cincinnati finals (after having won 22 straight matches) to Cilic who is looking good..but really not in the same league as Murray. Nick is still young and he needs, as Murray says, a shrink (and maybe also a coach) Unlike Raonic, Kyrgios is a natural athlete..give him a few years to grow up. Your piece should have been about Murray.
9
Brooklyn born and North Carolina bred Michael Jeffrey Jordan dreamed of becoming a legendary Major League Baseball player. Neither God nor Mother nature cared about Mr. Air's dreams.
5
There's a real disconnect in the comparisons with both McEnroe and Agassi. What made those guys interesting was their combination of great tennis, bad-boy antics , AND intelligent commentary. Both were/are well-spoken and rather insightful about the game and their elationship with it. So far, I've heard mostly drivel coming from Kyrgios.
17
Oh, please. I well remember McEnroe's bratty on-court antics. One can't sanction his behavior because he played good tennis. It wasn't amusing then; it isn't amusing now. Back then there was little or no "intelligent commentary." Now McEnroe is an old man featured in a telephone commercial, and looking the worse for wear.
4
Kyrgios is just like Gael Monfils, players with lots of potential but sadly they don't take tennis too seriously and waste lots of time doing and saying things that only hurt their careers. Kyrgios at this stage should be in the top 5 but he doesn't really care about that.
2
No.
Monfils is good value, and has never been rude like K. He has used extreme athleticism instead of discipline to win, and is a joy to watch. He appears to be a pleasant person.
K has a short attention span and is a spoiled brat.
Monfils is good value, and has never been rude like K. He has used extreme athleticism instead of discipline to win, and is a joy to watch. He appears to be a pleasant person.
K has a short attention span and is a spoiled brat.
9
Spot on
Monfils does not have meltdowns on the court. He does not throw his racket around and curse. Monfils likes to entertain people. But he does it with class and charm. And its said that he is well-liked by all of the players on the circuit.
1
What IS infuriating is that you give this guy any press. He is obnoxious, rude and doesn't respect the sport or the other athletes. Let him go play basketball or hopscotch, I really don't care. In fact, I change the channel when he is on.
28
Can't help but feel this article is a product of the industrial-journalism empire.
A player with a professional agency to promote himself finds a journalist willing to oblige and a newspaper willing to disseminate. The article could well have an "Advertisement" disclaimer.
And that's without going into the troublesome glorification of "bad boy" behavior that is an undertone to this puff piece.
A player with a professional agency to promote himself finds a journalist willing to oblige and a newspaper willing to disseminate. The article could well have an "Advertisement" disclaimer.
And that's without going into the troublesome glorification of "bad boy" behavior that is an undertone to this puff piece.
26
Nick Kyrgios is Happy Gilmore.
1
I understand why he's profiled here. Kyrgios is the consummate Millennial. He's everything that generation manifests. If, on the eve of the U.S. Open, he is the new face of tennis then this article is worth reading. It is thoughtful and informative.
For those of us that have been watching tennis for many years, he might be supremely irritating and unworthy of the talent he possesses (and perhaps is squandering), but he is representative of his generation and his possible ascent in the world of tennis might be interesting to watch, as are a modicum of his antics. Whether he endures or flames out is anybody's guess.
For those of us that have been watching tennis for many years, he might be supremely irritating and unworthy of the talent he possesses (and perhaps is squandering), but he is representative of his generation and his possible ascent in the world of tennis might be interesting to watch, as are a modicum of his antics. Whether he endures or flames out is anybody's guess.
2
To the author: your phrasing re: the Wawrinka incident is unfortunate, and like Kyrgios, shows little respect at all to Donna Vekic, the 'girlfriend' in question. As it currently stands, it can easily be implied from your words that Ms Vekic was cheating and Kyrgios was informing Wawrinka of a fact, albeit in an ungentlemanly manner. I don't believe this to be the case; which is why Kyrgios' behaviour was so disgusting. And to whom did he apologise - to Vekic, to both, to Wawrinka only? Again, the vagueness reflects poorly on the article.
17
It's a shame that Kyrgios isn't playing basketball instead of tennis.
One of the things I love most about tennis is that it doesn't attract many style-over-substance flash-over-depth characters who care more about their antics than they care about the state of their game or the game in general.
I never liked McEnroe or Connors or any of the so-called "bad boys of tennis," and for me Kyrgios has been on that list for a while now.
He's a poor sport with a bad temper who shows only flashes of talent. Sorry, but I'd rather go read the DFW essay on Roger Federer again...
One of the things I love most about tennis is that it doesn't attract many style-over-substance flash-over-depth characters who care more about their antics than they care about the state of their game or the game in general.
I never liked McEnroe or Connors or any of the so-called "bad boys of tennis," and for me Kyrgios has been on that list for a while now.
He's a poor sport with a bad temper who shows only flashes of talent. Sorry, but I'd rather go read the DFW essay on Roger Federer again...
12
It is difficult to pity anyone who is so gifted, but it is not uncommon for people to be gifted in one area but have passion in another one. Occasionally we get lucky with a McEnroe, Connors, Navratilova, etc, ... who are gifted AND passionate about the same sport.
Fine. Let him follow his passion in basketball. He will realize, in about 10 years that following his passion in basketball was not such a hot idea. I don't expect he is the second coming of Michael Jordan, is he? However, if he gets his it together, he can become one of the greats in tennis. Maybe. Lose the attitude, grow up a little and look like you are enjoying being one of the top 20 players in the world of tennis. Sure beats punching a clock. "Youth is wasted on the young."
3
Not promising for sure. Tennis, like golf, requires gentlemen and ladies with good social skills and classy behavior to maintain dignity in the sport that will attract serious fans. We already have too many circus clowns promoting themselves as "entertainment" in too many of our institutions. Sport is not spectacle. It's meant to be a graceful art played to be appreciated by those fans who understand the sports they watch. Quitters and tankers lack the ethics of winners and the commitment of serious grownups. All sports SHOULD have a higher purpose of uplifting the human spirit, rather than degrading the human spirit. We already have too much corruption in different areas of competitive endeavor.
6
Like the doping and match fixing in tennis???
A guy's gotta' be what a guy's gotta' be. Conflicted, talented, sometimes bored, never boring, cross-cultural, a handful. That a woman from England finds his behavior boorish is hilarious (but not surprising) as the current Wimbledon Men's Champion was often among the most boorish of competitors. Why are we always telling these kids how they "must be"? Nick's a late bloomer. Give him room to grow.
5
The photo communicates arrogance not tennis. Sometimes the NY Times is so disappointing. I never liked McEnroe or his ilk.
15
I'm marginal about tennis in the first place. My sentiments? "Then go play basketball."
It's natural to love characters after the fact, only.
1
At least Nick hasn't gotten to tattoos on his face or lip rings. He may even straighten up and become a real tennis star without all the hoopla. We can hope.
1
McEnroe and Kyrgios are different. Both entertaining, but there appears more malicious intent and less respect (for everyone) in Kyrgios' antics than there ever were with McEnroe. And while hard to contemplate, Kyrgios appears more self-absorbed (but maybe that's generational). In retrospect, McEnroe was more of a class act. Kyrgios has no class. The sooner he leaves tennis, the better.
11
I beg to disagree. McEnroe's tantrums were carefully calculated to upset his opponent's rhythm and concentration so Mac could get an advantage, rather than Mac just playing better. The epitome of having NO class.
2
Yes, very entertaining, as was Mr. McEnroe.
I usually turned off the T.V. and found a good book to read when the latter was throwing one of his World-Class temper tantrums.
As to our latest malcontent, basketball is replete with Terrible-Two-Year-Olds.
Must we destroy tennis as well by being entertained by this "Denebian-Slime-Worm"? Now, I can turn off my video-streaming and find a good book.
I suppose I win. Whether I'm shutting off my T.V., or my Touchpad, I'm reading a good book. Thanks, You'ze Guys.
I usually turned off the T.V. and found a good book to read when the latter was throwing one of his World-Class temper tantrums.
As to our latest malcontent, basketball is replete with Terrible-Two-Year-Olds.
Must we destroy tennis as well by being entertained by this "Denebian-Slime-Worm"? Now, I can turn off my video-streaming and find a good book.
I suppose I win. Whether I'm shutting off my T.V., or my Touchpad, I'm reading a good book. Thanks, You'ze Guys.
2
Where can I get bet down he never wins a major?
5
I won't pass final judgment on Kyrgios yet - he's 21 -, though it's clear his PRESENT state is deplorable. Instead, I want to come back to his supposed firm intention to switch to playing professional basketball at age 27 at the latest! Here, knowing something of what it takes at a mere college level, I must say with Johnny Mac, "You Cannot Be Serious!" Kyrgios is 6-4? In Europe at the professional level, that'd be normal - for a point guard! That is the most competitive position (least constrained by height), with each player honing their skills in, yes, two-a-days, for their whole lives. And it's the most intricate one - intuitively knowing when to pass, when to pull up for a 3pt, when to kick, as well as properly knowing the playbook and the calls and having the trust of a coach takes, well, a career. So whatever Kyrgios ends up doing when he can't stand tennis - or himself playing it - anymore, it won't be basketball.
5
He reminds me a bit of another mercurial talent on the ATP, Gael Monfils, in the sense that they can both be electrifying when their game is on. However, he lacks even one iota of Monfils's charm, wit or class. Kyrgios isn't worthy of a full article.
6
Too bad so much tennis 'journalism' is really hype.Tennis is too defensive when it strives to compete with the NBA or NFL. It thinks it needs a thug & butchy swagger to draw fans.
Too bad.
Kyrgios has some skills & promise, but anyone who really knows tennis knows how much more is required to become a champion. Many players have had astonishing FHs or serves but never quite sustain the focus & mental resileince to win a slam.
Most serious tennis fans (who play tennis as well) are not hungry for Nick. We are eager to see if Thiem or Coric can step up.
Too bad.
Kyrgios has some skills & promise, but anyone who really knows tennis knows how much more is required to become a champion. Many players have had astonishing FHs or serves but never quite sustain the focus & mental resileince to win a slam.
Most serious tennis fans (who play tennis as well) are not hungry for Nick. We are eager to see if Thiem or Coric can step up.
5
Those "personalities" make their living by hitting a small fuzzy ball with a racket for enjoyment of spectators. In my book that puts them one narrow rung above a well trained circus monkey. Do we really need to care about their internal struggles and insecurities to enjoy the spectacle?
2
I enjoy watching Nick play, and half hope he'll grow into being a great player. But if he doesn't, who cares? It's a sport. He's treating his work at it like one, rather than like a robot. If he wants to be great, maybe he can be. If he doesn't, how will that hurt the readers of the NYT? Let young athletes play and see where they can go. He's captured the imagination of many, so he's earned a big article. If he dedicates himself to the game and his talent, he'll earn many more. If not? I've enjoyed this look at someone who could be great.
3
My thoughts exactly. Well said.
Oy. You encourage his bad behavior by making him the cover story, when he has yet to achieve much than make a name for himself for being a louse. How about making him the fourth story down and featuring Monica Puig, who just won an Olympic gold medal?
7
It is painful to watch Kyrgios play because of his terrible posture and when he gives up in despair. Nevertheless, it is wonderful to see a young man his age doing what he wants to do and not subscribing to what everyone else wants him to do. Nick, keep going, do it your way, be your own man!
4
You are not alone in having noticed Kyrgios' posture, several tennis fans have mentioned to me that he appears to have extreme curvature of the spine.
2
Yes ! His slump is actually so contrary to athletic performance that I predict a major back problem by age 25.
3
Why this guy on the front page? I watch tennis to be entertained by the skills of its players and I don't want to divert my attention from that pleasant occupation to deal with the selfishness and bad manners of uncouth individuals. I never liked his likes, they do nothing for the game.
29
I agree with Frank's preference: " I watch tennis to be entertained by the skills of its players and I don't want to divert my attention from that pleasant occupation to deal with the selfishness and bad manners of uncouth individuals." We have been well served in this respect by Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Even Murray is showing signs of easing up on his bad on-court manners.
Kyrgios should be newsworthy only because of his on-court remarks about Wawrinka's girl friend and tennis' failure to mete out stronger punishment for that comment.
Kyrgios should be newsworthy only because of his on-court remarks about Wawrinka's girl friend and tennis' failure to mete out stronger punishment for that comment.
5
This guy is 16th in the world. If you discount the antics, how does that justify the cover of the magazine, and front and center of the digital Times front page since yesterday.
59
It's ONLY the antics that got him the cover. Unfortunately. 16th in the world with no antics=no cover.
2
Tennis for the Instagram age only. Style over substance. Connors and McEnroe were firecrackers that backed up their game with dominance during their primes. Kyrgios wants nice sound bites for Youtube, Facebook and Instagram. Sorry those aren't titles. He needs to start winning grand slams to be one of the greats. Nothing else will do.
47
When I go to tournaments I head straight to the Kyrgios matches because they are always fun to watch in some way. Milos Raonic is a very controlled professional player and his matches are a total bore.
12
You are into more style than substance.
Maybe one day Nick will actually win a tournament.
Maybe one day Nick will actually win a tournament.
1
Lilly:
Lucky for you to live in Vegas. Seems a perfect choice.
Lucky for you to live in Vegas. Seems a perfect choice.
1
Yes, we can play tennis outside 12 months a year!
As a player, John McEnroe's entertainment value was overshadowed by acting like a spoiled brat. I often wished officials would eject him from a match. So I hope Kyrgios is not "entertaining" for the same reasons.
I regard Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic as the models both for their skills and their courtesy. And with tennis as international sport, the ability of Federer and Djokovic to converse in several languages is impressive.
I regard Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic as the models both for their skills and their courtesy. And with tennis as international sport, the ability of Federer and Djokovic to converse in several languages is impressive.
32
This should not be on the front page. Kyrgios may be interesting, but he's not the biggest story of the year. His sledging should have put him beyond the pale, but he does seem to be growing up a bit, and that would have been more interesting once the evidence of maturity added up.
You could have featured Andy Murray, an interesting, powerful, intelligent guy with a good story, or some of the new youngsters carving their way to the top in a big hurry: Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe come to mind, and there's Borna Coric.
Kei Nishikori is another story worth telling. Then there's that new giant and Raonic.
On the women's side Monica Puig, Madison Keys, and a few others are exciting as well. The Williams sisters are always news, but the new field coming in are well worth looking at. Women's tennis appears to me to have benefited from young energy and a lot less screaming, making it much more of a viewer's delight.
You could have featured Andy Murray, an interesting, powerful, intelligent guy with a good story, or some of the new youngsters carving their way to the top in a big hurry: Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe come to mind, and there's Borna Coric.
Kei Nishikori is another story worth telling. Then there's that new giant and Raonic.
On the women's side Monica Puig, Madison Keys, and a few others are exciting as well. The Williams sisters are always news, but the new field coming in are well worth looking at. Women's tennis appears to me to have benefited from young energy and a lot less screaming, making it much more of a viewer's delight.
51
I forgot Cilic, and no doubt others.
5
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....if those are the future stars, you will see interest in tennis drop like a rock!
Andy Murray with his mouth open wide, and pointing his head to tell he has brains, is a bore . Only his foot work is commendable.
2
there are more interesting tennis players to profile... so why this guy?
i can't take this kid seriously after his brash remarks to wawrinka, and after reading this article, i dislike him even more. his game is all over the place. why not write an article, 2016 about nadal, about federer, about djokovic? much more interesting, in my opinion.
i can't take this kid seriously after his brash remarks to wawrinka, and after reading this article, i dislike him even more. his game is all over the place. why not write an article, 2016 about nadal, about federer, about djokovic? much more interesting, in my opinion.
27
Yes, this reporter should have written a story about players who have been written about at least a million times before.
Tennis has always been full of obnoxious players because tennis fans fawn over them. Schmegeggies like McEnroe, Connors, Nastase, and Kyrgios should be booed off the court instead of being cheered on.
14
Maybe you should have tea and crumpets and watch Andrea Jaeger reruns.
McEnroe, Connors, and Nastase were impassioned athletes who rose to the top of their game. Their emotional outbursts were well documented but not completely the only aspect of their skill and dedication. Mac may arguably be the sports finest ambassador. Kyrgios has none of their heart and fight.So we agree on that last part, Kyrgios is a brat.
My local paper recently ran a furious letter from a resident who said he is 91 years old and he blames the media for coddling the Clintons and Obama, who have ruined this country. Judging from his tone, I imagine a person like him would take one look at the photo of this tennis player and scream that Obama and the Clintons are to blame for the guy's haircut, piercings, tattoos and gold chains.
10
Of course he would. The irony being Kyrgios' behavior is a mirror image of Trump's.
1
McEnroe started the vulgarization of tennis decades ago. And now we have devolved to Kyrgios. It is probably going to get worse. Same with many other sports....and politics. Winners, yeah!
8
Jagu: I remember the McEnroe era as having a lot of outsized personalities, and then it calming down with time. A lot of the air seems to have been let out by Sampras, who dominated for about a decade after the McEnroe et al. era, and with a little fanfare. Of course, there have been personalities throughout the years, just not the heavy concentration of McEnroe, Nastase, Conners, etc. all bringing their drama in the same era.
And today, with the state-of-the-art training, discipline, coaching, etc., there is really little time for side pursuits and distractions if you are going to achieve the top tier. Unless you are ridiculously talented, like the Williams sisters...
And today, with the state-of-the-art training, discipline, coaching, etc., there is really little time for side pursuits and distractions if you are going to achieve the top tier. Unless you are ridiculously talented, like the Williams sisters...
4
McEnroe did not start anything. Please get your tennis history right, Ilie Nastase came a few years or before McEnroe. Nastase definitely vulgarized tennis before McEnroe hit the courts. Know as "Nasty" or the "Bucharest Buffoon", Nastase was ranked #1 from 1973-1974. He was five times as vulgar as McEnroe and was a great player, inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame winning over 100 titles and 2 Grand Slam singles titles . Don't play with history. McEnroe did not play a professional match until 1977. Also, don't forget Connors was a bit of a bad boy too before McEnroe.
2
You never saw McEnroe play Borg? Or Connors? Or Lendl? Come on this was great sport. The outbursts are minimal compared to the matches.
True champions in any sport, including tennis, are few and far between. Temperamental tennis champions are even fewer and farther between.
As gifted as he is, Nick will never join the front ranks until he settles down. And it's probably too late to do that.
Real champions, such as Murray, Djokovic and Nadal, substituted hard work for bad behavior very early in their teens. In the meantime, Nick is already in his early twenties, with all that precious learning time wasted.
Given his track record, it's doubtful that Nick Kyrgios will ever become a true champion.
As gifted as he is, Nick will never join the front ranks until he settles down. And it's probably too late to do that.
Real champions, such as Murray, Djokovic and Nadal, substituted hard work for bad behavior very early in their teens. In the meantime, Nick is already in his early twenties, with all that precious learning time wasted.
Given his track record, it's doubtful that Nick Kyrgios will ever become a true champion.
17
McEnroe was an interesting young man and a Grand Slam champion at 20. I don't find anything interesting about Kyrgios. Let's see if he can win something, but I am not rooting for him.
20
I will read this piece when it arrives at my house on Sunday morning, however I have watched Kyrgios a lot on tele and read a good bit. I really don't like to watch this kid play. Wonderful talent, but his sullen, angry on court demeanor colors the experience. That episode that involved saying offensive, vulgar things about Wawrinka's girlfriend and all the outbursts towards the chair and the ball kids and all the rest should have gotten him 6 months off to think about it (the ATP did him no favor by not sitting him down). It is all tedious and combined with the media (nice going NYT) proclaiming him "The Next Big Thing" it is just another over the top publicity campaign that this tennis fan could live without. BTW, has no one in his camp tried to do anything about his posture? Back problems down the road? Kyrgios makes me think of Ernests Gulbis. He is several years older than Kyrgios, but is similar in that he has massive talent and has yet to bring it in the way that he could. Huge talents. We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, can we hurry up with that Roger Federer clone.
21
No, no, not Gulbis. He was never hungry enough because he has money already.. Krygios is more like Monfils but with attitude. Monfils lacks discipline and has always put entertainment, both the fans and his own, above winning.
1
My fellow Australians are so tall poppied out by this confident kid. I love that he's pushing the boundaries of a sport that is in need of a bit of a shake up from it's very white, very middle class and very conservative rules of engagement. Sure he can be rude and silly, but he's growing up in front of the camera. Everyone needs to relax a bit and not take his behaviour so personally. The reaction from the Robs and Sarahs is hysterical.
13
Speaking as another Australian the „man“ here is a thoroughly embarrassing moron and I am amazed he runs front page on this paper. One cringes at his childish attention-seeking behaviour.
You want a real inspirational (Australian) story, try Chloe Esposito who won the womens‘ modern pentathlon gold at Rio.
Or Kyle „No dramas“ Chalmers (just 19) winning the mens‘ 100m freestyle. Asked about his swimming colleagues, about his sport, at a press conference he replied laconically (I paraphrase): not sure, don’t follow swimming much!
You want a real inspirational (Australian) story, try Chloe Esposito who won the womens‘ modern pentathlon gold at Rio.
Or Kyle „No dramas“ Chalmers (just 19) winning the mens‘ 100m freestyle. Asked about his swimming colleagues, about his sport, at a press conference he replied laconically (I paraphrase): not sure, don’t follow swimming much!
18
And....mate.
Hear, hear, Carla. These comments read like a bunch of retired-dentist club players complaining about the front-desk staff for letting in the riff-raff. There is a lot of talent in tennis today, an extremely high level of play throughout the top 100, but also a high level of homogeneity. Players like Monfils and Kyrgios stand out because they approach the game differently, with a different set of goals and a complicated relationship with discipline, but that also makes them interesting to watch. (The comparison mostly stops there, of course, as Monfils is also a gracious competitor; Kyrgios has a lot to learn in that regard.) Kyrgios has an incendiary game and shows flashes of brilliance for every ill-considered character indulgence, and this year he has also demonstrated an ability to rein it in, to bear down and focus and win, which makes this absolutely the right time for this piece. He's a fascinating, flawed guy at a crossroads. I hope he chooses the right path, as tennis needs him just as much as it needs gentlemen like Federer and match-winning machines like Djokovic.
1
Kyrgios may be the most gifted player since Federer (although I doubt it) but this means nothing unless he decides to apply those gifts. If one accepts the basic premise that he is a gifted athlete, it is actually quite infuriating that he seems content to let those gifts waste away. By age 21, Federer had already won 6 Grand Slam titles, and the year end championships - twice. Nadal had won 2 Grand Slams, and Djokovic had 1 Grand Slam plus the year end title. For the time being Kyrgios isn't in the same league. However, he does fit in nicely with today's culture of short-sightedness, get rich quick, insufferable egoism, and style over substance. Thanks, but no thanks! I'll support the old school players who earn my respect and my applause, and who demonstrate on a daily basis that they understand the opportunities they've been given and don't waste them. That, in my opinion, never goes out of fashion.
32
Why give this person any air time?
He is obnoxious, selfish, and above all childish, an appalling exercise in tantrum-fuelled narcissism.
Basically unsocialised.
Who cares the least about his tennis..
He is obnoxious, selfish, and above all childish, an appalling exercise in tantrum-fuelled narcissism.
Basically unsocialised.
Who cares the least about his tennis..
51
I hope, for his sake, he is not more persona than performance.
I hope, for his sake, someone is teaching him to let his performance do the talking instead of his haircut, his behavior, or his mouth.
I hope, for his sake, someone is teaching him to let his performance do the talking instead of his haircut, his behavior, or his mouth.
3
I guess we have a different definition of "entertaining". I cheer for his opponent each time. Hopefully 16 (his emotional age as well as rank) will be the highest he ever achieves.
15
Another example of media glamorizing bad behavior.
38
His parents are doing him no favors. Rather than holding him accountable for his behavior they enable his antics by blaming everyone but their son for his troubles. But they also seem to depend on him financially so the roles of parent and child there are corrupted.
18
Why does "entertaining" have to mean "misbehaving" in tennis? I like to watch great shot-making, not the offensive antics of Conners or McEnroe screaming at officials.
It's not likely Kyrgios will become a dominant player unless he grows up and commits himself to the sport.
It's not likely Kyrgios will become a dominant player unless he grows up and commits himself to the sport.
10
He most certainly is not the most entertaining player since John M, who was not role model-- a great player who created a really unpleasant atmosphere. We seem to think that being entertained by players with an attitude is a trait we should admire. II don't. There are many players on the tour that I'd rather watch then this Australian.
24
Exactly. Nick is to tennis what burgers are to food- they offer very little in terms of quality.
8
I saw Kyrgios in Cincinatti two years ago. The chair ump, Mohamed Layouni, had to lecture Kyrgios on his childish,bad behavior, much like a father would to his obstinate 2yr old. It made me wonder how Nick Kyrgios fell through so many 'parental and/or coaching' interventions that made him into the 'bad boy' sideshow that he is today. For me, I don't care how many games he wins or loses or how much 'raw talent' he has. His attitude and disrespect for the game, as well as other players and spectators, make it impossible for me to watch him. Sad to see the NYTimes make him a 'poster boy' on the front page, as if to glorify it all.
81
Exactly. I also do not care how many matches he wins-a champion is far more than that-something he or his appalling family will probably never understand.Sorry to see the NYT promoting disrespect and ignorance.
20
I would give another reason as to why modern day tennis players aren't the same brand of firecracker that they were in the past. Replay. Every tight call is replayed instantly and then made correctly. So there is no need to get all loud and crazy at the officials anymore like McEnroe and Connors did.
8
My money is on Kyrgios to go all the way to the finals of the U.S. Open this year. Just take that chain out of your mouth for god's sake, it has a cross on it.
3
Tennis greats alive and dead are recoiling over this guy's look. You're right. Lose the chain. Let's not drag yet another gentle person's sport into the gutter.
6
This must certainly be irony. If it is - genius. If not - save us!
3
Kyrgios may have talent, as do many of the top 100 ranked men’s players. To separate and become in the elite tier, the mental game is everything, and Kyrgios just doesn’t have it. One doesn’t have to read pass the intro paragraphs to see that, at 21, he is so behind in that regard that he will likely never catch up, even if he wanted to: Playing Pokemon with tweeners, while his girlfriend practices tennis with a pet dog running around.
Does that sound anything like the training regimen of Federer? Or Djokovic? Or Murray? Or Nadal? Or Tsonga? Or Wawrinka? Or basically anyone in the top tier of men’s tennis? Or women’s tennis? These are the types of players who will be standing in Kyrgios’s way year after year, slam after slam.
If he’s lucky, Kyrgios may be able summon enough focus for a short period of time and take a slam based on raw talent. In that case he will be the Marat Safin of his generation. More likely he will be the talented, entertaining guy who gets to the quarters of a slam once in a while, but is never a contender, and is remembered most for his antics and haircuts. The disappointing career arcs of Marc Philippoussis and Gael Monfils come to mind.
Does that sound anything like the training regimen of Federer? Or Djokovic? Or Murray? Or Nadal? Or Tsonga? Or Wawrinka? Or basically anyone in the top tier of men’s tennis? Or women’s tennis? These are the types of players who will be standing in Kyrgios’s way year after year, slam after slam.
If he’s lucky, Kyrgios may be able summon enough focus for a short period of time and take a slam based on raw talent. In that case he will be the Marat Safin of his generation. More likely he will be the talented, entertaining guy who gets to the quarters of a slam once in a while, but is never a contender, and is remembered most for his antics and haircuts. The disappointing career arcs of Marc Philippoussis and Gael Monfils come to mind.
27
Totally agree. I would add that it is very sad when a player that has as much talent as Kyrgios does, basically throws it away in tantrums and on court antics. He should grow up and have respect not only for himself, but for the game, the other players, the fact that he is making millions of dollars when most folks NEVER have that opportunity, and for the fans. His attitude is just so disappointing. Playing Pokemon Go with ten year olds....about the right mental age for him, it seems. I cannot bear to watch him play. He should learn something from his elders...Federer, Nadal, Djokovic,Tsonga, Wawrinka, as mentioned above, and many others, are so much more focused, professional and gracious.
16
Ann: Interesting that the one of the models of modern discipline and training, Roger Federer, apparently had a really bad temper (breaking racquets, etc.) when he was a junior. Somehow he was able to turn it around, and its hard to even envision him being like that. And it took him a long time to win his first major, in light of his talent.
In addition, Djokovic's approach is rightly considered state-of-the-art in terms of discipline, but he was also on the hairy edge of becoming a tennis side-show about 5 or 6 years ago. He was prone to antics and wasn't mentally tough early on, and nobody gave him much of a chance of becoming the dominant force he has become, simply because Nadal and Federer were already so dominant. But around then he made a run to the Open final, received a lot of encouragement from the crowd and Nadal, if I remember right, and that seemed to have been a turning point in his career.
I couldn't agree more about seeing talent squandered. But I've seen it happen so much throughout the years and have found that it is the rare case (e.g., Djokovic) who gets it together and turns it around.
In addition, Djokovic's approach is rightly considered state-of-the-art in terms of discipline, but he was also on the hairy edge of becoming a tennis side-show about 5 or 6 years ago. He was prone to antics and wasn't mentally tough early on, and nobody gave him much of a chance of becoming the dominant force he has become, simply because Nadal and Federer were already so dominant. But around then he made a run to the Open final, received a lot of encouragement from the crowd and Nadal, if I remember right, and that seemed to have been a turning point in his career.
I couldn't agree more about seeing talent squandered. But I've seen it happen so much throughout the years and have found that it is the rare case (e.g., Djokovic) who gets it together and turns it around.
7
The term is electrifying. To be electric, you'd have to be plugged into a socket or have a battery pack.
4
Check your dictionary. Electric has more than
one definition.
one definition.
I know. That comes from accepting years of poor usage. The same reason the term "garnished wages" is tossed around. A garnish is something you put on a steak. The actual verb is garnishee.
Most entertaining since Mac? Not even close, fellas. Federer is a truly entertaining player. Kyrgios is a sideshow freak and a head case. He has a big serve, powerful but inconsistent forehand, and no tennis brain at all. He's entertaining if your idea of entertainment is to watch toddlers throw things around the playroom. I'll give that a pass, thanks.
84
A young athlete with a weird hairdo, a mustache and a scraggly beard and a chain with a cross in his mouth.
Who would ever have thought that something like
that would ever appear on the front page of the Times?
Who would ever have thought that something like
that would ever appear on the front page of the Times?
23
Krygios is a good player, but to mention him in the same article as Djokovic, Murray, Federer & Nadal is nuts. Unless he gets his attitude together...not likely since he admits he doesn't like tennis...he will never be their equal...& prpbably not then. When I pay good money to go see a tennis match, I want to see tennis, not some overgrown 2-year-old throwing a tantrum.
28
In modern tennis, talent is measured by a player's ability to generate racquet head speed, quick/efficient movement and deftness of hands. Kyrgios has the first and third in spades, but he is not particularly gifted when it comes to movement. Frankly, few players are and it's the one aspect of tennis most players have to be truly dedicated to master. He has all the shots but his lack of championship caliber footwork frequently causes him to attempt the wrong shot at the wrong time. Who knows, maybe he'll become more dedicated to tennis in the next few years or maybe he won't. The talent is his to do with as he pleases. Even if he doesn't make the leap to being a consistent top 5 player, and assuming he manages his life reasonably well, he'll make more than enough money before his 25th birthday to do whatever he wants. So, Nick, realize your full potential or not, it doesn't matter much to me. Either I'll watch you be the next big thing or I'll watch the next big thing be the next big thing.
11
Why, oh why? does the NYTimes like stories about bad boys? Entertainment value, obviously. Ryan Lochte is entertainment value. Hope Solo is entertainment value. Nick Kyrgios is wannabe entertainment value.
None of them knows enough to keep their mouths shut and concentrate on their chosen profession rather than on publicity stunts.
Hope, Ryan and Nick are alike--all are people who regard themselves as above the realm of us normal humans because of their athletic talent. Hence, they can say and do whatever they want, without fear of punishment. Hope and Ryan have, within the past week, learned their lesson.
We can hope Nick has gone to school on them, but anyone who has ever watched tennis seriously knows he's just another flash-in-the-pan, doomed to failure very soon.
In the meantime, he's making hay in the sunshine, thanks in part to the NYTimes, which, as a loyal reader for over 50 years, never used to stoop to his level.
None of them knows enough to keep their mouths shut and concentrate on their chosen profession rather than on publicity stunts.
Hope, Ryan and Nick are alike--all are people who regard themselves as above the realm of us normal humans because of their athletic talent. Hence, they can say and do whatever they want, without fear of punishment. Hope and Ryan have, within the past week, learned their lesson.
We can hope Nick has gone to school on them, but anyone who has ever watched tennis seriously knows he's just another flash-in-the-pan, doomed to failure very soon.
In the meantime, he's making hay in the sunshine, thanks in part to the NYTimes, which, as a loyal reader for over 50 years, never used to stoop to his level.
51
Kyrgios seems a hybrid of Michael Pemulis and "Ortho "The Darkness" Stice. He should take up Eschaton with the younger players instead of Pokemon Go!
1
1 person gets it!
I've watched him play once, and he was very entertaining. In the match that I saw him, he was on mostly decent behavior, just doing his crazy shots and having a very exuberant attitude. What struck me was how much the commentators talked about how he hated the game, how he doesn't want to play tennis, and what a bad attitude he has. I get that he's not a model tennis player or role model, but I didn't see the need for the commentators to trash him the whole time. After that match I guess I'm a little bit of a Kyrgios fan, I felt like he needed someone rooting for him that is on his side. His story reminds me of Happy Gilmore, one of my favorite comedies, so he gets at least a little bit of my support.
13
Really? maybe if Nick stopped trashing people someone just migh have a good word for him-as it is-his nastiness comes from the inside.
1
The premise of this article--that Kyrgios is such an amazing talent, but his temper and laziness get in the way of him winning--seems flawed to me. Comparing his talent to Federer's is just silly. This guy is a very good tennis player, but there's no way he's getting farther than Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. Whether he has more 'raw talent' than any of them is purely speculative. Kyrgios mostly distinguishes himself by his poor sportsmanship, not his play on the court. I felt the author laid it on rather thick in order to make the story.
89
True followers of tennis never considered McEnroe the "most entertaining player." He behavior was an embarrassment to those of us who love the sport, and the same is true of the obviously talented, but ego maniacal Kyrgios.
61
Kyrgios will flame out of tennis and fit right in with the NBA thugs. Why does he keep playing tennis if he's so unhappy (million$ aside)? If he's any good, he'll get paid far more in the NBA. Tennis has always made room in the spotlight for the bad boys—but Kyrgios will never remotely come CLOSE to holding a candle to the awesome Feds and Noles of the game, whose character and integrity (skills aside) shine through, on AND off the court. Oh, wait...Kyrgios doesn't care about those things. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
23
Mary Ann, what NBA "thugs" are you referring to? The resplendent Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Harrison Barnes, and Klay Thompson? The thoughtful and clearly broad-minded Lebron James? The classy and stylish Dwayne Wade or Serge Ibaka?The workhorse, ever team oriented guys like Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitski?
What constitutes a 'thug' anyhow?
What constitutes a 'thug' anyhow?
22
which thugs in the nba are you referring to?
3
thugs in the NBA? those who play hack a shak, those who try to convince you that their tattoos are more meaningful than their scoring or defensive ability.
for starters
for starters
4
The perfect foil for all tennis players. I gave him a look but now find him less than inspiring, a quitter it seems. I'll always root for his opponent.
26
Wow. I sure hope this picture goes away soon. He sounds and loos like a completely unpleasant waste of time.
47
Well put-a very unpleasant waste of time.
1
"Quite possibly the most gifted tennis player to come along since Roger Federer" - what a great way for the author to establish in the first paragraph that nothing he writes about tennis need be taken seriously.
150
Why do you have to be brimming with passion for your profession anyhow? People more often than not pursue careers to pay the bills and pursue their real interests. What makes professional sport so different? His choice, not the pundits!
17
His immature, insulting, callous and egomaniacal attitude is the deal-breaker. Coupled with his stated lack of passion is twisting the knife. Here's a young punk making a mockery of a great sport he could care less about unless he's turning it into a circus.
1
It would seem to me that Nick's personal life is as important to him as the game itself, if not more so. The media's, as well as spectator's, frustration with his performance and attitude is the result of his inability to match their expectations, not his. Any athlete that has reached the level and skill that Nick already has, is beyond impressive. People need to get over their own emotional investments, and stop living vicariously through a 19 year old prodigy, that can be fickle, just like the rest of us typically are, and enjoy the play for what it truly is. Awesome and entertaining.
9
Must confess I quit reading the story about one-third the way in. Why would I want to read story about a spoiled child? Why would the Times want to print one?
112
Regardless of his sporting prowess, He is nothing more than a petulant child who has not had the parental guidance to control his tantrums.
He disrespects the sport, is an embarrassment to his country, and needs a lesson in grace and humility. Perhaps in a moment of quiet contemplation he could channel his countryman and one of the finest exponents of the game, Ken Rosewall, but don't hold you breath. As we say downunder, Nick pull your head in.
He disrespects the sport, is an embarrassment to his country, and needs a lesson in grace and humility. Perhaps in a moment of quiet contemplation he could channel his countryman and one of the finest exponents of the game, Ken Rosewall, but don't hold you breath. As we say downunder, Nick pull your head in.
53
“He disrespects the sport, is an embarrassment to his country, and needs a lesson in grace and humility.”
Interesting how the same could be said about BrATomic (a favored nickname for Bernard Tomic, for those of us actually paying more attention to the whole of this dynamic, as opposed to only some of its parts) – as well as Lleyton Hewitt back in the day (despite all the Aussie reverence for him now that he’s retired, some of us haven’t forgotten the names he called James Blake – which I’m sure’ll be excused yet again because of the “heat of the moment” / mmkay).
Instead made a decision to focus on somebody whom Tennis Australia has elected so far to give less support to - compared to those other two “gentlemen” *cough* - as your preferred scapegoat?
If everyone at the authority level of TA behaved toward me like Kitty Chiller – who couldn’t be better named and whom I’ve referred to in some circles as the “Delores Umbridge of Tennis Australia” to much hilarity from the well-read set – did toward Nick, I’d quit the Olympics and go win a tournament in the US Open Series instead myself (which is, AMOF, what he did). Too bad for Tennis Australia, who, with a bit more support for their athletes, could have brought home a couple of Olympic medals otherwise.
Welcome back to NYC, Nick – and I say that as a “FEDAL Forever”
-type looking forward to Rafa’s potentially kicking your butt in Slam revenge this year (if you can get past Novak).
We look forward to seeing you. :-)
Interesting how the same could be said about BrATomic (a favored nickname for Bernard Tomic, for those of us actually paying more attention to the whole of this dynamic, as opposed to only some of its parts) – as well as Lleyton Hewitt back in the day (despite all the Aussie reverence for him now that he’s retired, some of us haven’t forgotten the names he called James Blake – which I’m sure’ll be excused yet again because of the “heat of the moment” / mmkay).
Instead made a decision to focus on somebody whom Tennis Australia has elected so far to give less support to - compared to those other two “gentlemen” *cough* - as your preferred scapegoat?
If everyone at the authority level of TA behaved toward me like Kitty Chiller – who couldn’t be better named and whom I’ve referred to in some circles as the “Delores Umbridge of Tennis Australia” to much hilarity from the well-read set – did toward Nick, I’d quit the Olympics and go win a tournament in the US Open Series instead myself (which is, AMOF, what he did). Too bad for Tennis Australia, who, with a bit more support for their athletes, could have brought home a couple of Olympic medals otherwise.
Welcome back to NYC, Nick – and I say that as a “FEDAL Forever”
-type looking forward to Rafa’s potentially kicking your butt in Slam revenge this year (if you can get past Novak).
We look forward to seeing you. :-)
4
"they play I Spy on car trips, and Kyrgios goes bonkers if he doesn’t win"
This little gem combined with the photo in the Celtics jersey and Livestrong bracelet tell me all I need to know. Not a buyer.
This little gem combined with the photo in the Celtics jersey and Livestrong bracelet tell me all I need to know. Not a buyer.
39
You lost me at Pokemon.
21
The persona Kyrgios has adopted seems to be part of growing up. When he arrived on the ATP tour a few years ago his mien was one of a youngster trying to compete with the men. I don't mind his court demeanor. Some of the shots he makes remind me of Pete Sampras when he was first on the tour. The opponent doesn't even have time to react to the shot.
2
I don't think talent excuses everything (and I say that as a FEDAL fan who has absolutely loved what their gentlemen's rivalry has brought to tennis).
Also, however, I said a few other things in an earlier comment -- if Tennis Australia was willing to give Nick the same support they've given other, brattier stars ("BrATomic" literally sports it as part of his moniker), perhaps they'd have a champion of equally well-developed talent without all the negative drama and controversy.
After all, Rafa basically travels with the literal & figurative family with whom he's trained for 11 years, and he's now such a Titan of the sport that the school he built (Rafa Nadal Academy, everybody) is a literal monument to both his talent and mien. And he's a Favored Son of Manacor, a holder of the Principe de Asturias, and also IINM has a key to the City of Madrid.
I'm just saying.
Also, however, I said a few other things in an earlier comment -- if Tennis Australia was willing to give Nick the same support they've given other, brattier stars ("BrATomic" literally sports it as part of his moniker), perhaps they'd have a champion of equally well-developed talent without all the negative drama and controversy.
After all, Rafa basically travels with the literal & figurative family with whom he's trained for 11 years, and he's now such a Titan of the sport that the school he built (Rafa Nadal Academy, everybody) is a literal monument to both his talent and mien. And he's a Favored Son of Manacor, a holder of the Principe de Asturias, and also IINM has a key to the City of Madrid.
I'm just saying.
5
If you play tennis to entertain you will develop some spectacular shots. Chances are that you may garner many fewer titles than come your way if you concentrated on winning each match. It's up to him to decide what he wants to do - personally I am over it.
2
As an Australian I find this man's court manners absolutely appalling. I can't stand watching him play tennis.
95
As an Australian, I would like to say that I hope he finds an equilibrium that allows him to fulfill his undoubted talent. And I look forward to seeing him play.
2
I wonder what his fans see in him? Specially when he plays like he'd rather be somewhere else. I am sure he's not even that good a basketball player, it's just an excuse for his behaviour. Please, NYT write about someone more deserving than this spoiled overrated brat.
38
Anybody else tired of 21 year old professional male athletes getting a pass on adolescent behavior? And doesn't a 21 year old hanging out with a 13 and 14 year old strike you as a little creepy? After months of reading about Donald Trump, I can't stomach one more crude, boorish ignoramus. What's weong with America? Even the NYT features cartoonish, entitled, disrespectful and rude individuals, exemplifying the general debasement of American society.
77
I guess guys like Rafael Nadal are too classy and boring to get a cover article in the NY Times Magazine.
69
Yes, the guy who is constantly picking at his butt and lining up his bottles is the "classy" one.
4
Nadal, his career up to them, and aspects of his game were featured in the cover story for the June 21, 2009 NY Times Magazine.
Except for one thing: McEnroe was not entertaining. He was an embarrassment to my generation. Everything I hated about the kids I grew up with I saw in him. There's a difference between brash and brashhole.
11
McEnroe was not entertaining to me... he was immature, selfish, and arrogant.
His level of crudeness and rudeness was a disservice to the other wonderful
players of that time who set good examples and valued great sportsmanship.
His level of crudeness and rudeness was a disservice to the other wonderful
players of that time who set good examples and valued great sportsmanship.
30
I'm not a huge fan of Kyrgios's behavior, but all of those Australians who are helming and hawing should just shush up. Having lived in Singapore for several years, I got to see firsthand how consistently badly behaved Australian expats and tourists tend to be -- far worse than those from any other country. The only reasons Australians dismiss Kyrgios are race and the fact that he is willing to admit that Tennis is just a job, not a passion, for him. But, of course, how dare he have that level of talent and not take it seriously. Well guess what folks, it's his life and his choice.
17
I was interested in your comment Australians--so they're even more detestable as ex-pats/tourists than Americans? I thought we were "Number One". (-:
Overall, I thought this was a fairly generous article about Kyrgios. In my opinion, some of his on-court behaviour has been nothing short of disgraceful. His immature, boorish, foul mouthed rants and general arrogance don't make him interesting to me so much as a first class pain in the butt and a national embarassment. In the finish, I think most of the country were pleased he didn't compete at the Olympics & be involved in some incident there.
10
I don't think people who really enjoy tennis are interested in these"entertaining" tennis players. They bring a bad image to the whole game, and certainly can not be a role model for young, aspiring tennis players.
11
Great young player with a lot of fire that he lets out which obviously upsets/annoys a lot of people.
Is everyone meant to confirm and be a good citizen?
Isn't anyone allowed to wear their heart on their sleeve and just be them?
Even if it isn't what people want to see - when you're young and on fire why not let it out?
McEnroe's a legend now isn't he?
There are plenty of others out there who throw big tanties around the courts day in and day out. They're not under the spotlight because they don't have as much talent.
Let people be who they are. He's not holding up convenience stores, he's just making a bit of a racquet. So what.
Is everyone meant to confirm and be a good citizen?
Isn't anyone allowed to wear their heart on their sleeve and just be them?
Even if it isn't what people want to see - when you're young and on fire why not let it out?
McEnroe's a legend now isn't he?
There are plenty of others out there who throw big tanties around the courts day in and day out. They're not under the spotlight because they don't have as much talent.
Let people be who they are. He's not holding up convenience stores, he's just making a bit of a racquet. So what.
6
Kyrgios is a little brat and "the most entertaining player since John McEnroe" has been Gaël Monfils for years.
25
I am not a fan of Nick Kyrgios, but after reading this article, I could not help thinking about him as I would a challenging patient who is trapped in a circus movement of bad lifestyle health choices. If Kyrgios wanted my advice, I would tell him to hire a highly respected basketball expert or retired player as his coach.
Let's dispel the notion that an elite athlete, in any specific sport, needs a sport's specific head coach. At the highest level of athletics, it is mental; the frontal lobe and left brain of logic and execution, along with the creativity and emotional control of the right hemisphere and limbic system.
Kyrgios' elite basketball coach can hire the tennis support staff. Eh voilà holistic tennis designed on the brain, lifestyle, and aspirations of the player, not the sport or the Madison Avenue caricature of being a bad ass they want to sell tickets and shrill products.
Kyrgios, if you are reading, live your dreams, and bring joy to any sport you choose because it is refreshingly you.
Let's dispel the notion that an elite athlete, in any specific sport, needs a sport's specific head coach. At the highest level of athletics, it is mental; the frontal lobe and left brain of logic and execution, along with the creativity and emotional control of the right hemisphere and limbic system.
Kyrgios' elite basketball coach can hire the tennis support staff. Eh voilà holistic tennis designed on the brain, lifestyle, and aspirations of the player, not the sport or the Madison Avenue caricature of being a bad ass they want to sell tickets and shrill products.
Kyrgios, if you are reading, live your dreams, and bring joy to any sport you choose because it is refreshingly you.
15
Agassi didn't have a "blond rat tail", but rather a blond mullet.
7
One thing I never understood - why are child hood photos of such young guys always so grainy ...
1
In the end NK doesn't care about what y'all think and he chooses to do what when and how he wants. He lives the life his way and you get what you see. As Arthur Ashe said" FROM WHAT WE GET, WE CAN MAKE A LIVING, WHAT WE GIVE, HOWEVER MAKES A LIFE" and it's that simplicity is what NICK is all about.
4
so who cares? A self-absorbed guy with physical abilities and no clear direction or motivation to focus. Why is he a story at all?
20
Saying that pretty much everyone in the game thinks he has the talent to be number one and win a fistful of majors is setting this youngster up for a career as a disappointment. It's not nice.
1
He's ranked #16 in the ATP and he's just 21. Steve Johnson is the top-ranked American at #19 and bumped John Isner, barely hanging onto a top 20 spot, out of the #1-ranked American space along with having taken over that spot. I notice you're from NC and assuming unless that's some Australian province I've never heard of it stands for "North Carolina". We Americans haven't had a GS winner on the men's side, let alone a US Open winner, since Andy Roddick took home the top honors in 2003, over a decade ago.
Am I missing something here ...?
Am I missing something here ...?
1
At this point, he clearly does NOT have the 'talent' to be number one. Anyone who thinks that pureness of stroke or fleetness of foot, are the talents necessary to get to No 1 is unfamiliar with the game. To get to No 1, you need to know that you belong at No 1. It is a physical challenge to get to the top 10, it is a mental challenge to get to No 1. Mr. Kyrgios has not yet shown any of the requisite mental discipline or toughness to be a contender for the top spot. To say that he has the skills necessary to be on top is just wrong. Maybe he will develop them, but unless he does, it's a mistake and not nice to set him up in that way.
Basketball is just a better sport for players and spectators. His hair will also fit in better. So, seriously, put up the racket, Kyrgios.
4
Everything that's wrong with professional athletes in one, arrogant, spoiled jerk. Utterly contemptible.
14
“You have to be willing to listen, and you have to have some respect,” Pat Cash says. “His behavior toward a lot of people shows that he may not be good at either of those things.” Sounds like this guy is the Donald Trump of tennis. And I don't mean that in a flattering way.
11
Exactly
3
The most maddening player since Gael Monfils, who similarly is incredibly talented but is more interested in showmanship than winning. But at least Monfils never gave the impression he'd rather be doing anything other than playing tennis. And what is going on with Aussie tennis? Bernard Tomic has just as bad an attitude.
8
Monfils never shows bad sportsmanship. I never saw him cussing or destroying his racket on the court. He always comes off as being very sweet and charming and the word is everyone in the locker room loves the guy. I still believe that Monfils (when he was younger) could have defeated any of the "big four" if he really wanted to. I just don't think he cares.
12
Agreed, I love to watch Monfils play, Kyrgios not so much.
6
There's one phrase that comes to mind regarding Kyrgios: "Flash in the pan". He's what you call a screw up. Don't fret over talent gone to waste. I've seen a few like him who had a surfeit of natural talent but lacked the drive to hone it to perfection.
The fact that he has a nasty attitude to boot just makes it easier to ignore him I guess. I sincerely hope to God he changes both his attitude towards people and his dedication to the game.
The fact that he has a nasty attitude to boot just makes it easier to ignore him I guess. I sincerely hope to God he changes both his attitude towards people and his dedication to the game.
4
Electric, infuriating, and talented; yes,yes,yes!!! But what has he won!! Don't compare him in anyway to Mac until he has won, won, won the BIG ones!!!
3
Good column in praise of bad behavior. The writer
should pay more attention to basketball where there is
lot of trash talk.
should pay more attention to basketball where there is
lot of trash talk.
2
As the sun sets on Federer and Nadal and as Djokovic fails to win most fans' hearts and minds, the ATP is desperate for an exciting young newcomer who can attract people to the game. They have, apparently, decided to anoint Nick Kyrgios, and he's an unwilling party. He's a bizarre combination of young McEnroe, Monfils, Tomic, and Philippoussis. Tremendous talent, largely untapped potential, and an incomprehensible lack of appreciation for the status he's been given. I personally find him both fascinating and disappointing. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll get the guidance he needs in time to cash in on his talent and youth.
2
“I don't think he'll get the guidance he needs in time to cash in on his talent and youth.”
As I said in a previous comment, I’m not seeing that so much as completely his fault – especially at 21 – as I am seeing it as partially and substantially the fault of those in senior leadership in his sport being unwilling to support him the way they have other, brattier forerunners (Lleyton Hewitt and the guy literally nicknamed “BrATomic” spring to mind).
And as I said in a different previous comment, he’s rocketed up the rankings to the ATP Top 20 while the rest of American men’s tennis has been wandering around for 13 years waiting for somebody to fill A-Rod’s spot and win another US Open, which hasn’t happened since he did it in 2003.
(Thank goodness for Serena.)
So let’s just wait and see; how about that …?
As I said in a previous comment, I’m not seeing that so much as completely his fault – especially at 21 – as I am seeing it as partially and substantially the fault of those in senior leadership in his sport being unwilling to support him the way they have other, brattier forerunners (Lleyton Hewitt and the guy literally nicknamed “BrATomic” spring to mind).
And as I said in a different previous comment, he’s rocketed up the rankings to the ATP Top 20 while the rest of American men’s tennis has been wandering around for 13 years waiting for somebody to fill A-Rod’s spot and win another US Open, which hasn’t happened since he did it in 2003.
(Thank goodness for Serena.)
So let’s just wait and see; how about that …?
2
Mr. Kyrgios ought to read Andre Agassi's "Open", a memoir. Agassi had more talent and success than Nick's yet possesses, and as much or more of his ambivalence and love hate relationship with tennis. Agassi got fat on Taco Bell in the prime of his career and even took hard (non-performance enhancing) drugs during particularly dark times before pulling of his death spiral.
Nick need not ride the same rollercoaster and squander the best years of his athletic life. He can have everything he wants. He needs to get his head out it's current, anatomically incongruent position.
Nick need not ride the same rollercoaster and squander the best years of his athletic life. He can have everything he wants. He needs to get his head out it's current, anatomically incongruent position.
1
"the most entertaining tennis player since John McEnroe"?
McEnroe wasn't "entertaining! He was a jerk! (as he himself has said, looking back). He WAS a great tennis player and clutch competitor, though. Funny, we thought THAT was what tennis and sports was about...
McEnroe wasn't "entertaining! He was a jerk! (as he himself has said, looking back). He WAS a great tennis player and clutch competitor, though. Funny, we thought THAT was what tennis and sports was about...
8
Nick's game is one which I have admired for awhile, but could never understand why it was so inconsistent. Seemingly effortless strokes, accuracy and power but betrayed by an iinability to control his emotions and temper. His sudden growth spurt partly explains it- his mind has simply not caught up with his body- and the only question appears to be if that will ever happen soon enough. The window for a professional tennis player is a brief one and as competitive as he seems to be, he probably knows that he needs a coach to take over his life, on and off the court. For his sake, I hope that happens.
4
The Ryan Lochte of tennis but without the gold medals since he has yet to win a major.
8
Maybe if Tennis Australia had Nick’s back like Billy Bush (who got *owned* by Al Roker on the topic) had Ryan Lochte’s, he’d have a better chance to similarly maximize his talent.
They certainly have had Lleyton Hewitt’s and that of another young Australian whose behavior has been so bad his nickname is literally “BrATomic”.
There’s certainly a problem here, but it’s not what so many people appear to think it is.
They certainly have had Lleyton Hewitt’s and that of another young Australian whose behavior has been so bad his nickname is literally “BrATomic”.
There’s certainly a problem here, but it’s not what so many people appear to think it is.
2
I don't like Kyrgios. He acts like a spoiled brat. Give me men like Nadal and Federer who have class. I remember seeing Bjorn Borg on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (who was a huge tennis fan and loved to play tennis) and he talked about what a brat he was on the court when he was young. His parents took his tennis racket away and told him if he continues to act like a petulant child, his parents would not allow him to play tennis. Bjorn said that's all it took for him to turn his behavior around. And now to this day, he is know as the "Iceman." You could turn on the tv and would never know if he was winning or losing. Borg learned his lesson and became one of the greats.
10
Yes, but Bjorn had real talent and is intelligent.
7
Roger tells a similar story. A lot of fans don't know he used to be a "racquet slammer" and his father (we love Mr. Federer Sr.) basically said if he kept behaving like that he was going to leave Roger at practice and he could find his own way home.
And after that, he saw Marat Safin (another great talent with a little too much drama) slamming his racquet in another tournament they were both competing in and asked himself "Do I really look like that?" and that was all it took for him to stop.
The common denominator appears to be enough tennis folks in positions of authority being willing to give him guidance like they have other similarly talented athletes.
And after that, he saw Marat Safin (another great talent with a little too much drama) slamming his racquet in another tournament they were both competing in and asked himself "Do I really look like that?" and that was all it took for him to stop.
The common denominator appears to be enough tennis folks in positions of authority being willing to give him guidance like they have other similarly talented athletes.
4
Just because you are good at something doesn't mean you love it.
Maybe he should pursue basketball and get it out of his system if that is truly his passion.
Maybe he should pursue basketball and get it out of his system if that is truly his passion.
8
I somewhat agree, yet it's virtually certain Nick cannot make a living playing basketball. I'd rather be a professional athlete than a white collar professional, but that's just not going to happen. We all have jobs to do. Nick can play basketball on his nights and weekends off like the rest of us hoop dreamers.
1
As younger players, didn't Djokavich and Agasse and of course Conners all act out on the course? Of course. So this kid is young and impulsive and has other interests. He's not enslaved to the commercial tennis machine, which I have to respect. For once I'd like to see a player say I won't endorse a product on my clothes as I play. Maybe Kyrgios will be that guy and a big winner.
10
I'd love to see athletes refuse endorsements, and my athletic fantasies include shunning corporate endorsements after winning Wimbledon or the US Open.
Easy to say, but apparently impossible to follow through on once you're a star athlete. Yet wouldn't it be great if an athlete at least promoted a line of low-cost, ethically made shoes and apparel and somehow made that "cool", and helped persuade young people that fealty to Nike or Adidas is hollow and pathetic? I love capitalism and a nice pair of trainers, but when I see lines around the block for the new Air Jordans, I find it profoundly disturbing.
Easy to say, but apparently impossible to follow through on once you're a star athlete. Yet wouldn't it be great if an athlete at least promoted a line of low-cost, ethically made shoes and apparel and somehow made that "cool", and helped persuade young people that fealty to Nike or Adidas is hollow and pathetic? I love capitalism and a nice pair of trainers, but when I see lines around the block for the new Air Jordans, I find it profoundly disturbing.
1
"For once I'd like to see a player say I won't endorse a product on my clothes as I play."
It's all a little past that -- Nike sponsors his kits (which I'd say makes all this stürm und dräng over his behavior in a sport that's championed the likes of McEnroe's umpire abuse, handwaved Roger Federer's racquet-demolishing past, and supports another Aussie tenista literally nicknamed "BrATomic" more than a touch hypocritical -- and also kind of focuses the lens on a part of all this I suspect people would rather not deal with -- but I've said something similar numerous times in this thread already).
It's all a little past that -- Nike sponsors his kits (which I'd say makes all this stürm und dräng over his behavior in a sport that's championed the likes of McEnroe's umpire abuse, handwaved Roger Federer's racquet-demolishing past, and supports another Aussie tenista literally nicknamed "BrATomic" more than a touch hypocritical -- and also kind of focuses the lens on a part of all this I suspect people would rather not deal with -- but I've said something similar numerous times in this thread already).
At a loss as to how the authort hinks that this player is 'wildly enterting'. he is abhorred by the majority of tennis fans worldwide. It has become extemely evident that the media want to 'sell' him along with the ATP and all the other money making self-interested companies while the public hate him and his irnorant behaviour. The kind of entertainment that this clown produces is akin to 'Big 'Brother' trash. Anyone who is even slightly more discerning knows that he is a spoilt and nasty brat.
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Yes yes and yes - his behaviour is sexist and unsporting yes the media lavish attention on him for it - he is a spoiled brat and I truly wish he would exit the sport I love - he tarnishes it - let him play basketball - his behaviour fits in perfectly there.
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Yes I can't even watch him play.
I am NOT a casual tennis fan. I have attended most of the big tournaments some regularly and most all of them, large and small on the Tennis Channel. I think Kyrgios is great!!!! That match between Kyrgios and Brown was wildly entertaining in my book! I think Kyrgios deliberately let it go for five sets because the last one he won handily. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I'd pick his match any day over the disciplined, boring, snooze fest that is Milos Raonic.
An incomplete article. It never mentions that Kyrgios has one major liability in his game, namely, he is not a good mover. Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray above all are phenomenal movers - it is one of the primary reasons why they have dominated tennis for so long. Kyrgios = a lot of hype. How is he going to play his fantastic shots if he can't get there? His return of serve isn't that great either. He may catch lightening in a bottle a match here, a match there - matches where he serves exceptionally well and does enough on the return to beat a world no. 1. But I doubt he can sustain a level to win multiple GSs.
Kyrgios is nothing like Connors, Kyrgios is like a bully who folds when his opponent is too strong. Connors was anything but that.
Kyrgios is nothing like Connors, Kyrgios is like a bully who folds when his opponent is too strong. Connors was anything but that.
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Well said-way too much hype in the marketing machine. His nasty personality which beggars belief way outweighs the odd Ace. Never mind the incredibly immature tantrums.
5
"...lightening in a bottle..."?
You mean like hair color?
You mean like hair color?
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R in Brooklyn:
Don't let your pesky facts and astute analysis cloud a frothy NYT Mag profile of a "bankable", "box office" bad boy. There was some solid reporting here, including his transformation from fat kid to frattish avatar, but I agree with your overall assessment.
I'm biased as a native Las Vegan and Agassi lover, but Andre was everything Kyrgios is billed as, only with tremendous heart and a large collection of Grand Slam trophies. You should beg Andre and wife Steffi Graf to be your coaches, Nick. You might learn a thing or two about tennis and about life.
Don't let your pesky facts and astute analysis cloud a frothy NYT Mag profile of a "bankable", "box office" bad boy. There was some solid reporting here, including his transformation from fat kid to frattish avatar, but I agree with your overall assessment.
I'm biased as a native Las Vegan and Agassi lover, but Andre was everything Kyrgios is billed as, only with tremendous heart and a large collection of Grand Slam trophies. You should beg Andre and wife Steffi Graf to be your coaches, Nick. You might learn a thing or two about tennis and about life.
3
My wife and friends are tennis junkies. I get dragged along to the tournaments. Saw him play last year at the US Open, did not know anything about him or his background. Forgot who he played, but he made quite an impression, not positive. Thought him to be a jerk, article confirms what I thought. Not a fair comparison, but wasted talent like John Daly comes to mind. Hopefully he grows up before he and his act gets old.
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I am VERY disappointed in the NTT magazine's decision to put Nick Kyrgios on its front cover. It is a childish example of glamourizing and romanticizing disrespectful, rude, ignorant and unprofessional behaviour in sport. The supposed 'genius of NK lies in losing to players ranked 372 in the world and throwing brattish, toddler tantrums on court. Nick is a BAD role, model, promoting swearing, spitting at umpires, blatant tanking, abusing ballboys and girls and endless more unsportsman -like behaviour. Of all the brilliant tennis players you could have chosen, you have chosen the most clueless, arrogant over inflated ego in a cheap, 'big brother' style way to sell your magazine.
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But you clicked, read and commented. That's called a "win" for their strategy.
2
Haaa. It never fails. "Why doesn't someone think about the children!!!!" People often have many role models. The greatest role model children have are those adults who take care of them. If you do your job, he can cut-up all he wants, your children will be okay.
6
Thank you, Christy. I couldn't say it better.
The public should simply boycott his matches but, sadly, he has more than a few fans out there...
The public should simply boycott his matches but, sadly, he has more than a few fans out there...
5
He is such a Debbie Downer on the court. When I've seen him play at the US Open and Western & Southern Open, his behavior was so blasé I kept questioning whether I should root for him or not.
Fine, Nick, you can be a badass of tennis, just carry yourself like a man.
Fine, Nick, you can be a badass of tennis, just carry yourself like a man.
5
The kid's a bit of train wreck yet, but I like him and I love his game. I think he'll be just fine.
13
Seems like a petulant kid on court - the incident with Stan (another charmer, if we're being honest) was revealing. Keep the trash talk to the basketball court.
28
Call me when he wins a major. :)
113
Great article - helped in understanding him better. Will perhaps watch a few games of his from now on.
6
I'm not surprised he pals up with younger boys because that's where his mindset is at the moment. Despite Kyrgios' huge talent, his acting out on court and complete lack of discipline just screams 14 year old. Unless he grows up fast his career will be a case of coulda-woulda-shoulda. There have been a few in that category but not many with talent as big as his.
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