Nick Kyrgios a ‘legitimate force’ at Wimbledon and a ‘semi-final is realistic this year’, says Aussie great
Nick Kyrgios has a chance to finally have a deep run at Wimbledon this year and could possibly reach the semi-final, according to Australian legend Todd Woodbridge.
Kyrgios made his 2022 grass-court singles debut at the Stuttgart Open last week, playing for the first time since the Houston Open in April. He enjoyed an impressive run, beating sixth seed Nikoloz Basilashvili en route to reaching the semi-final where he lost in straight sets against Andy Murray.
The 26-year-old will next be in action at this week’s Halle Open before switching focus to Wimbledon, which gets underway on June 27.
Australian doubles icon Woodbridge feels a fully focused Kyrgios could be a force to be reckoned with at SW19 this year.
“Nick is actually trained and focused on this season, so this is a good start to the grass-court season. If there is any player in the field outside of Novak that can play well enough and beat everyone on grass, it’s Nick,” he told Nine’s Sports Sunday.
“So, it’s about, ‘How does he deal with the expectation as he goes into this one this time?’
“He is a legitimate force and chance to go deep at Wimbledon.”
Djokovic reached the third round of the grass-court Grand Slam last year while his best showing at The Championships is a run to the quarter-final at his debut in 2014.
Kyrgios now back up at No 68 in the ATP Rankings and good run at Halle could see him move further up.
When asked about Kyrgios Wimbledon hopes, Woodbridge replied: “It’ll depend on his draw. That’s significant.
“We don’t want him coming up in a section that Novak might be, which is a possibility.
“But I think a semi is realistic this year.
“And if he gets to the semi and his body’s OK and the head’s still on the shoulders, anything can happen.”
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins baulks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.