1.
(EPA)
Ever since Roger Federer refined everything in tennis with his great sportsmanship, Lindt chocolates, Rolexes and drinking tea with his pinky out, probably, the drama of the sport has been relegated to the on-court play only. (Because the matches are often sublime, this isn’t a huge problem).
2.
(Getty Images)
But all this camaraderie can get a little boring, which is why 19-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios is a breath of fresh, profanity-filled, air.
3.
(EPA)
Kyrgios is just the sort of guy who gets penalties for cursing and smashing his racket. Tennis needs at least one of those hovering in the top 10. Fabio Fognini alone isn’t going to do.
4.
(Getty Images)
Though he was thoroughly outclassed by Andy Murray in Tuesday’s quarterfinal — it was like watching the JV play the varsity — Kyrgios has the talent to be around a force in the game for years.
5.
(AP)
His temperament, however, could get him in trouble.
6.
(Reuters)
The young Aussie throws a racket more than a spoiled two-year-old.
7.
(Getty Images)
If not for a timid chair umpire, he should have been assessed a point penalty for racket abuse on a Murray set point in the second.
8.
(AP)
If Krygios can capitalize on his teenage success, he’ll become a worldwide sensation.
9.
(Getty Images)
The temper will help his off-court profile, but he’ll need to keep it in check if he’s to do anything more than get routed by superior players.
10.
(Reuters)
ESPN compared him to Allen Iverson and Johnny Football. The first of those comparisons is a sporting compliment, the other — not so much (but the AI comparison makes it worth it).
11.
(EPA)
12.
13.
(AP)
Kyrgios will be 20 by the time the French Open rolls around. Not that going from a teenager to a 20-year-old provides an automatic conversion to maturity, but here’s hoping Krygios tones down his schtick a little bit and focuses more on his game. Still, don’t take the racket antics out of the repertoire totally. Like we said, tennis needs some new, excitable blood and Kyrgios is just the guy to bring it.
