AN unlikely mentor stands between Nick Kyrgios and Wimbledon glory after the draw cast the Australian and Radek Stepanek into battle.

Stepanek, 37, has forged a wonderful career based in equal measure on skill and intelligence — and irritating habits.

Almost forced out of the game with back soreness, Stepanek last month hauled himself off the canvas to push Andy Murray to within a point of first-round French Open defeat.

Twice a winner of decisive fifth rubbers in Davis Cup finals for the Czech Republic, the abrasive baseliner remains a tricky obstacle.

And Kyrgios knows it.

“Radek is a good friend of mine and I actually played him in my first grand slam match,” Kyrgios said.

“He’s a player who’s always been friendly to me and has actually helped me this year, not as a coach but when I needed help and advice.

“So it’s gonna be fun and I already messaged him about it and we’re both good mates so it’s gonna be fun out there.”

Luke Saville and Matt Barton have bolstered Australia’s singles contingent to nine after final-round qualifying victories.

Saville, a former junior champion at the All England Club, fought superbly to down German Matthias Barchinger 6-4 3-6 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 in 3hr 20min to reach the main draw.

Barton overwhelmed top seed Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (1-7) 6-2 6-3 to advance to the main draw for the first time in his career.

The pair joins the five Australian men who gained entry on ranking — Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic, John Millman, Jordan Thompson and Sam Groth.

Sam Stosur and Daria Gavrilova are the only Australian women.

Saville will play American Dennis Novikov while Barton takes on fellow qualifier Albano Olivetti, of France.