Tennis Today: Nick Kyrgios hasn’t changed – tennis has, and Wimbledon hero given huge honour

Nick Kyrgios waving

In Tennis Today, Nick Kyrgios continues to be the star of the Australian Open, even after he is knocked out of it, and one Wimbledon legend is set to receive an enormous honour.

What’s on the site
Monday was a tough day for the whole of sport, with the very sad passing of Kobe Bryant.

Tennis was at the forefront of paying tribute to the NBA star, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal sharing tributes on social media, and Nick Kyrgios wore his on his chest.

At the Australian Open, Nadal got the best of Kyrgios in their fourth-round clash, but boy did the world number one have to work for it.

There were also big wins for Alexander Zverev and Stan Wawrinka, who face each other next in Melbourne.

In the women’s draw, Simona Halep and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova were among Monday’s winners.

There was more bad news for Juan Martin Del Potro, ,though, and tennis’ collective heart sank for him.

What’s in the news
The usual names may be winning in Australia, but it’s definitely Nick Kyrgios who people are talking about.

The Australian is all over the news after his spirited defeat to Rafael Nadal, and he has inspired a glorious write-up from Fox Sports Australia.

“In the space of a month, Kyrgios flipped the script,” the piece opines. “Not really by doing anything that differently, though.

“Sure, his demeanour and effort on the court was at a level we haven’t seen at a slam in some time. But, really, it’s been about the establishment of a relationship between Kyrgios, the man, and the Australian public.

“Not just a tennis player, or an angry YouTube clip, but a young Australian — he’s still only 24 — who was judged long before anyone took the time to understand him.”

Elsewhere, it has been reported that Kyrgios gave the TV viewing figures a huge boost in Australia.

And, speaking of adorably moody tennis players with brilliantly big serves and even bigger personalities… Goran Ivanisevic will be indicted into the tennis Hall of Fame.

“This is a huge honour,” Ivanisevic said. I am proud and humbled to become the first-ever Tennis Hall of Famer from Croatia.

“I am grateful to the committee for selecting me for this honour and so thankful to the fans who supported me in the Fan Vote and throughout my entire career, especially so many great fans in Croatia.

“I am honoured and excited to become a Hall of Famer.”

What’s on social media

A sad sight we are all too used to seeing…

 

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@delpotrojuan recovering after surgery on his right knee in Miami. 👍 #Delpo @teamdelpo

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… but hugs from the man himself…

Anyone else and we’d be hugely confused. But since it’s Gael Monfils, it looks about right, yeah…

 

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⚠️ Warning. Do not try this at home ⚠️ . @iamgaelmonfils | #AusOpen | #AO2020

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And Coco Gauff pays tribute to heroes…

 

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💜💛

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What’s on TV
Australian Open
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BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra has live commentary from 07:00

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Goran Ivanisevic Nick Kyrgios Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal

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