Nick Kyrgios is ‘his own worst enemy’ and needs to improve his fitness, according to 12-time grand slam champion Ken Rosewall.
The world No.23 has been sidelined from action for six weeks due to a shoulder injury, but is still on course to play at next week’s French Open. Kyrgios is currently the only top 50 player from his country on the men’s tour. Prior to his recent injury setback, he won his fourth ATP title at the Brisbane International in January.
Despite Kyrgios’ physical problems, he has been issued with a stark warning from 83-year-old Rosewall. Who is marking the 50th anniversary of his triumph at the French Open where he was the first player to win the title in the Open Era.
“With the leading players, there’s been a few obstacles,” Rosewall told reporters at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.
“Nick is one that has more potential than anybody.
“He does have a physical problem, which is not his fault, (but) certainly he needs to work a little bit harder on his physical fitness.
“He doesn’t seem to play any long matches.
“I’d like to see them working harder on their game … it might bring better results.”
The 23-year-old has long been billed as a future star of men’s tennis, but last reached the quarterfinals of a major back in 2015 at the Australian Open. In recent years he has been dodged by issues with his hip and back. Kyrgios has also previously been criticised for his occasional controversial behaviour on the tour with allegations of tanking.
Kyrgios will play in the doubles draw at this week’s Lyon Open, in what will be a test of his current fitness. He is expected to make a decision about his presence in Roland Garros based on how his body fairs this week.
The Next Gen waiting Game
Besides Kyrgios, Rosewall also spoke about the rising stars of men’s tennis. Recently 21-year-old Alexander Zverev won back-to-back titles in Munich and Madrid. The German will be seeded second in the upcoming grand slam. Despite the rise of the Next Gen, self-proclaimed ‘Federer fan’ Rosewall believes that it will be at least a year before any of them threat for the titles in the majors.
“The question with the younger players (on the tour) – I think they’re near, they’re getting nearer, but it might be another year or so before you could say that someone else is favourite for a tournament.” He explained.
“It seems like another year or so that you’re going to say that Nadal or Federer are favourites for a tournament.
“(Novak) Djokovic of course has had some physical problems, so hopefully he’ll overcome that and be the force he was before.”
Rosewall was the last Australian to win the men’s title in Paris back in 1968. Speaking about a new potential Australian champion, he has tipped 19-year-old Alex de Minaur for major glory. De Minaur, who has been given a wildcard into the French Open, reached his first tour final in Sydney earlier this year.
“He’s a good chance of winning majors, especially on clay. He’s good on most surfaces.” Rosewall commented about the world No.106.
The French Open will get underway on Sunday.
