Former seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander revealed that he was a fan of Nick Kyrgios, saying that he added something different to tennis.
Kyrgios is one of the most divisive players to have stepped foot on a tennis court in recent times. Some love him for talking the talk and walking the walk, while others criticise him for his perceived laziness and inconsistency.
The Australian suffered a second round defeat in the Australian Open, but redeemed himself on the doubles side of things with Thanasi Kokkinakis. The pair beat Ariel Behar and Gonzalo Escobar 6-4 4-6 6-4 to reach the quarter-final.
With entertainment always on the cards whenever he shows up, Wilander revealed that he was a big fan of Kyrgios, saying that he is a very layered player.
“It (Kyrgios’s success) is fantastic for the tournament,” Wilander told Eurosport, as quoted by Tennis World USA.
“Superstars are made of people going (to matches) to get their expectations fulfilled. When you go and see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, you get your expectations fulfilled whether they win or not.”
Nicking it for him
“Nick Kyrgios – I have to say – when he’s on the big stage we have expectations of him. And he fulfils them whether he wins or loses,” he continued.
“He delivers just like all entertainers do. He’s so good for the game, he really is.
“I just wish that when he’s not keen to play tennis that he just doesn’t show up. But hopefully those days are over and he’s just enjoying it. It seems like he’s enjoying it more than normal.”
Read more: Kyrgios lashes out at Tomic – “Haven’t seen his name anywhere”