Nick Kyrgios ‘show’ wouldn’t work in women’s game as Emma Raducanu approach more ‘effective’ – ex-player

Nick Kyrgios “keeps the conversation going” with his on-court and off-court antics, but that approach would not work in women’s tennis with former Australian Open runner-up Anke Huber feeling the way Emma Raducanu conducts herself is “more effective”.
Australian Kyrgios has once again hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks as he copped fines at the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open for unsportsmanlike conduct.
In Miami he lashed out at the chair umpire Carlos Bernardes after he was handed a game penalty and doubled down on his criticism during his post-match press conference while he also vented on social media.
Nick Kyrgios doubles down on criticism of chair umpire: ‘He made it about himself’
Raducanu, meanwhile, doesn’t get involved in any drama on court and, even though some have raised questions about her off-court celebrity status, she doesn’t engage.
Former world No 4 Huber, who has admitted that tennis needs characters like Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev, says Raducanu’s approach is better for women’s sport.
“Kyrgios pulls off this show – like John McEnroe before – often on purpose. It’s his ploy to keep the conversation going,” she told Eurosport Germany.
“But I don’t know if you should want that for women’s tennis. Granted, it makes things more interesting. But I think an Emma Raducanu is more effective in women’s tennis.”
The German also feels Raducanu, who won the US Open at the first time of asking last year, has what it takes to become a top-five player, but says the tennis community needs to be patience with the 19-year-old.
Criticism of Emma Raducanu is misplaced as tennis needs the Brit to shine
“Raducanu is someone who can play at the top in the future,” she said.
“She has everything to become a top-5 player and maybe even make it to number one. Emma needs another year or two to become consistent and really demonstrate what she is capable of.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Exclusive – Former British No 1 insists Novak Djokovic deserves more respect
Novak Djokovic deserves equal billing alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon ranking points decision sparking angry reaction from players
The decision from the ATP and WTA…
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz ‘a different person’ as he prepares for second French Open
Carlos Alcaraz heads into the French Open…
-
ATP Tour
Cameron Norrie wins Lyon Open for fourth career title
Cameron Norrie claims his fourth career title in Lyon.
-
News
Novak Djokovic ready to be tested in French Open defence after ‘very tough’ draw
The Serbian could face Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev if he wants to win the title
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek relaxed as she returns to happy hunting ground
Iga Swiatek says she is prepared for the day her winning streak is broken.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon doubles down on Russian ban despite stripping of ranking points
Wimbledon organisers said they ‘made the only viable decision’.
-
News
Peng Shuai latest: IOC says she is ‘looking forward to visiting Europe’
Peng’s safety and freedom has been a concern since she appeared to allege in a social media post that she had been sexually assaulted.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu facing huge rankings drop after Wimbledon decision
Djokovic is almost certain to lose his No.1 ranking.
-
Wimbledon
Comment – Why the removal Wimbledon’s ranking points could backfire on the ATP and WTA
Wimbledon has been stripped of its ATP ranking points following the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.