CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | Contact
Following an ‘undeniable showing of maturity’ in his fourth-round encounter against Dimitrov in front of an enthralled crowd on Rod Laver Arena last night, Nick Kyrgios is proving himself to be a bit of a fan favourite.
Kyrgios was beaten but not outclassed last night with the world number three triumphing 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4).
However, one notable win that the 22-year-old Canberran can take home with him is the fact that Australian tennis fans are now getting used to the idea of being represented by someone who isn’t completely devoid of personality.
“I think it’s good for the game” says Beryl, a 72-year-old tennis fan who called for Kyrgios to be deported 18 months ago.
“It’s good to have someone out there, representing Australia, and showing that he’s a bit human. Lleyton was a bit naughty in his younger days, but he came good”
Since the decline of hyperbrat, Bernard Tomic, Nick Kyrgios has since been nicknamed ‘O.I’ by several Australian sports commentators and analysts – with O.I standing for ‘Our Iverson’ – a paralell to the life and times of the controversial but wildly talented American basketballer Allen ‘AI” Iverson.
John McEnroe has vouched for Kyrgios, stating that even with his occasional on-court tantrums and press conference blow ups – he will be able to keep the crowds onside as long as he can keep winning.
