Nick Kyrgios urged to ‘become a warrior rather than an entertainer’ by former world number one
Former world number one Marat Safin has urged Nick Kyrgios to forget about being an entertainer and become a warrior instead.
Kyrgios has become a true box office star on the ATP Tour in the last two years, but he has failed to deliver on any of his potential as far as becoming a top player is concerned.
However, Safin believes that with just a small tweak in his attitude, Kyrgios can turn his biggest weakness into his biggest strength.
“I’m not judging and I know it’s sensitive, and you hear three million times that if he gets serious he can be a top-10 player,” Safin said, as quoted in the Express.
“But I think he tries to hide his doubts by joking around. He needs to face the pressure and be a warrior, not an entertainer.
“I think he’s a great warrior; he just needs to face the tough moments and once he does he could have a great career.
“He has great potential, for some reason he isn’t consistent and that’s why the ranking bounces left and right.
RELATED: ‘I am coming for Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer,’ warns Stefanos Tsitsipas
“Maybe that six months is enough time to rethink what he wants to do. Time goes fast and he’s not 18 anymore.
“The years fly, if you don’t wake up now he’ll look back, be 35 years old and that’s it.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour‘I obviously want to go all the way,’ says Kyle Edmund after reaching New York Open final
Kyle Edmund’s fine run sees him reach NY Open final.
-
Tennis FeaturesTokyo 2020 dream teams: Ash Barty-Nick Kyrgios; Jo Konta-Jamie Murray; Belinda Bencic-Roger Federer?
Your dream pairings for Tokyo 2020’s mixed doubles event.
-
WTA TourTough comeback match for Kim Clijsters as Garbine Muguruza also gets mouth-watering opener
Your 2020 Dubai Tennis Championships draw…
-
ATP TourFelix Auger-Aliassime into Rotterdam final as he ‘comes up clutch’ at key moments
It’s Felix vs Gael in Rotterdam final.
-
WTA TourDefending champion Kiki Bertens overcomes second-set wobble to reach St Petersburg final
Kiki Bertens still on course to defend her title in Russia.
-
ATP Tour‘Roger Federer has cost me a place at the Olympics,’ says Tennys Sandgren after Australian Open epic
US hopeful still hurting.
-
-
ATP Tour‘There is no one better than Novak Djokovic and soon the numbers will prove it,’ says Goran Ivanisevic
Serb already ‘best in history’.
-
ATP TourBorna Coric admits injuries have halted his progress, but he still believes he’s destined for top
Croatian putting past behind him.
-
WTA TourTop seed Belinda Bencic defeated in St Petersburg but guaranteed career-high ranking next week
Swiss star still climbing rankings.