18-time grand slam champion Chris Evert has said that she is unsure if Nick Kyrgios has the drive to become one of the best players in the sport.
Evert voiced her opinion about the 23-year-old ahead of the US Open, which will start on Monday. Kyrgios will be seeded 30th in the men’s draw after what has been a roller-coaster season for him. The former world No.13 has been hampered by a series of injury setbacks in recent months. Last reaching a tour final at the Brisbane International in January.
“He’s a complicated guy and I wonder if he just doesn’t want to give up a lot,” Reuters news agency quoted Evert as saying about Kyrgios.
“To be the best to win Grand Slams, you have to make mental and emotional sacrifices, as well as physical.”
The animated personality of the Australian is one that has generated criticism throughout his career. Kyrgios has previously been accused of tanking during matches and received a short suspension from the ATP Tour at the end of 2016 for unsportsmanlike conduct. During this month’s Cincinnati Open, Kyrgios frankly admitting taking during the second set of his match against Borna Coric before winning in three sets (7-6, 0-6, 6-3).
“I think he doesn’t train like the top men do, and I don’t think mentally and emotionally he’s at that level of the top players.” Evert commented about Kyrgios’ game.
“But he’s gotten by with not having to work that hard at any of those components.
“He doesn’t have that champion hunger yet. Will he ever get it? Will somebody get it out of him? Or will he get it out of himself? That is the thousand-dollar question.”
Despite Evert’s concerns, she acknowledges Kyrgios’ potential in the sport. Many players have previously tipped the Australian to be a future star of the sport. He currently has four ATP titles to his name and is a two-time grand slam quarter-finalist. Kyrgios has scored wins over Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
“(He) brings talent to another level that we’ve never seen I don’t think, in the tennis world.” Said Evert.
“But you can’t change DNA. You can’t change the wiring of somebody. This change has got to come within himself.
“He’s going to coast as long as he wants, as long as he can, but at some point I think we all who are fans of his and love his tennis are probably wanting this more than he is right now.”
Kyrgios will be looking for a strong performance at the US Open. He has lost in the first round of the tournament twice in the past three years. Another early defeat next week could see him exit the world’s top 30 for the first time since February 2016.
