Rod Laver: Maybe a suspension is the only answer for ‘entertainer’ Nick Kyrgios

ATP Tour

Shahida Jacobs
September 4, 2019

Rod Laver says a suspension could do Nick Kyrgios good, adding that the controversial Australian is “interfering with his own ability”.

Kyrgios is once again in hot water with officials after he accused the ATP of being “pretty corrupt” following their decision to fine him for his antics at the Cincinnati Masters.

He later backtracked on his “pretty corrupt” comment, saying it the wrong choice of words, but the ATP has confirmed that they have launched an investigation into his social media post.

The 24-year-old could face a bigger fine or possibly a suspension.

Tennis great and fellow Australian Laver believes the latter option may be the answer.

“Whatever they have done hasn’t worked so far, so maybe a suspension is the only answer,” Laver told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’m not sure he’s learned anything from any of the things that have gone on.”

Kyrgios often goes from the sublime to the ridiculous as one minute he produces shots of the highest quality and the next he will take his frustration out on his racket or the chair umpire.

Laver says Kyrgios needs to work on his discipline.

“It’s obvious he just has to give up trying to be (the entertainer),” he added in The Age as well.

“I don’t know if he’s deliberately aiming for publicity or whether he’s aiming at individual things that he wants to accomplish.

“But that’s the one thing he lacks is discipline. And if he got some discipline then most things come pretty simple.

“You don’t interfere with his talent, and that’s what he’s doing, is interfering with his own ability.

“He’s got probably the best serve in the game and so he knows how to win, but he has to apply himself and that’s the one thing that’s been a problem for him.

“Tennis is a mental game in many ways and he’s letting too many things get into the game of tennis.”

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Nick Kyrgios