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MGM Slam In Las Vegas Announces First Round Match-Ups

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The matchups are set for Round 1 of The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One as determined by a random drawing for the $1 million prize event taking place Sunday, March 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Winners of the first-round super tiebreaker (first to 10 points) matches will move into the semifinals, followed by the finals, in the exciting win-or-go-home knockout format.  The first-round schedule is set to begin at 4 p.m. PST with head-to-head match-ups featuring:

  • “Stars and Stripes Showdown” – Taylor Fritz vs. Tommy Paul
  • “Chaos Bowl” – Nick Kyrgios vs. Alexander Bublik
  • “The Future Meets the Showman” – Joao Fonseca vs. Gael Monfils
  • “Art vs. Arctics” – Lorenzo Musetti vs. Casper Ruud

“It’s always fun to play in these formats that we’re not used to which can potentially be really exciting for the fans watching,” said the No. 1-ranked American Fritz. “You definitely don’t get as much time to figure it (the fast format) out but it’s more exciting because the pressure is higher and you really have to perform in that short window.”

Tickets can be purchased on AXS.com. Capital One customers also can experience the weekend like a VIP with packages including a two-night hotel stay, tickets to The MGM Slam, The MGM Slam After Party and exclusive access throughout their stay available exclusively on Capital One Entertainment.

The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One is produced by MGM Resorts Live Event Ventures which is focused on seeking out and creating new-to-market live sports and entertainment programming including MLB Awards and Players Era Festival, to name a few.

About T-Mobile Arena 

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Designed and built to prioritize environmental sustainability, T-Mobile Arena was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2016. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Nick Kyrgios To Play In Australian Open’s “1 Point Slam Driven By Kia” Event

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Nick Kyrgios returns to Rod Laver Arena this summer for the 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia, alongside World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz.

Kyrgios and Alcaraz join a growing list of global stars including World No.2 Jannik Sinner, [3] Alexander Zverev, [5] Felix Auger-Aliassime, [6] Alex de Minaur and [8] Lorenzo Musetti in what promises to be an action-packed Opening Week presented by Herald Sun.

More players will be announced in the coming weeks, including many of the world’s top women.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said, “Opening Week in 2026 is set to be our most ambitious yet. Fans can see the world’s best players in must-see showdowns alongside the edge-of-your-seat intensity of the 1 Point Slam, offering world-class tennis at remarkable value.


“From day one of Opening Week the entire precinct will be open, with charity showdowns lighting up Rod Laver Arena, AO qualifying underway, live entertainment, Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates, and experiences for all ages.”

Kyrgios and Alcaraz will compete in the main draw of the 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia on Wednesday 14 January. Forty-eight players consisting of a mix of pros, amateurs and celebrity wildcards will battle it out for the $1 million prize, with a single point deciding the outcome of each match.

In addition to the $1 million on the line, Kia will award a brand-new EV3 to the last amateur standing in the main draw.

The 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia is part of a thrilling program for Opening Week, with four nights of star-studded charity showdowns featuring the world’s top players in Rod Laver Arena from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 January.  

Opening Week Showdowns:

Tuesday 13 January –

Alexander Zverev v Lorenzo Musetti

World No.3 Alexander Zverev faces World No.8 Lorenzo Musetti in a matchup that brings together two of 2025’s strongest performers. Zverev’s powerful serve and baseline authority meet Musetti’s all-court style and dynamic shot making. Their contrasting styles and strengths and recent form will create an electrifying contest on Rod Laver Arena.

Wednesday 14 January –

AO 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia

The 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia will take centre stage on Rod Laver Arena, where 48 players including 24 pros, eight state and territory champions, eight qualifiers and eight wildcards, will battle it out in a high-pressure, one-point knockout format. With world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and fan-favourite Nick Kyrgios already confirmed, everyday Aussies will step onto the same court as the game’s biggest stars for a shot at the $1 million prize and a Kia EV3.

Thursday 15 January –

Carlos Alcaraz v Alex de Minaur

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and Australia’s very own World No. 6 Alex de Minaur will go head-to-head under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, bringing two of the sport’s most electric styles to centre court. Alcaraz’s explosive shot-making and all-court creativity meets de Minaur’s relentless speed and counterpunching grit, promising fast-paced rallies and plenty of fireworks.

Friday 16 January –

Jannik Sinner v Felix Auger-Aliassime

Red Bull BassLine

World No.2 and two-time Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner and World No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime face off after incredible 2025 seasons that saw both deliver some of the most consistent, confident tennis of their careers. Sinner’s powerhouse ball-striking and ice-cool baseline control meet Auger-Aliassime’s resurgent form, explosive serve and renewed attacking confidence. With both players riding major momentum, this matchup promises high-quality rallies, big hitting and a showcase of two stars at the top of their game.

After a standout debut in 2025, Red Bull BassLine is back to turn up the volume at Melbourne Park and is set to be even louder in 2026 with special guest appearances. This unique fusion of tennis and music promises an electrifying atmosphere. The 2025 Red Bull BassLine was won by Holger Rune, who defeated Casper Ruud in a thrilling final on Rod Laver Arena.

All proceeds from the charity showdowns go to the Australian Tennis Foundation, Tennis Australia’s charitable arm, which has a mission to ensure that every child, no matter their circumstances, has the chance to play. Around 50,000 disadvantaged kids and families have had the opportunity to play and belong through ATF programs.

If an amateur wins the 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia, Tennis Australia will donate $1 million to the ATF, in addition to the $ 1million the winner takes home.

Tickets for Opening Week Showdowns including the 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia and Red Bull BassLine go on-sale at midday on Friday 5 December 2025. Visit Ticketmaster for tickets and more information

Pro Tennis Returns Again To Forest Hills With UTS Event In August Featuring Nick Kyrgios

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UTS (Ultimate Tennis Showdown), a new thrilling and innovative tennis tour with a disruptive set of rules, is making its debut in New York City on August 22 – August 23, 2024 at the legendary Forest Hills Stadium, the site of the U.S. Championships, U.S. Open from 1915 until 1977.

Created by Patrick Mouratoglou, the legendary coach of Serena Williams, the concept of UTS revolves around the question “If tennis were created in the 21st century, what would it look like?” and is aimed at Gen Z and attracting new fans to the sport of tennis. UTS boasts a thrillingly innovative format and a disruptive set of rules designed to create short, action-packed matches, played in a noisy, fun atmosphere.

“We created the UTS Tour to bring another level of entertainment to tennis fans and attract a new generation of fans. Tennis has been my world for more than two decades and I want to see the sport prosper for decades to come. The heart behind UTS is to bring fast-paced entertainment, filled with excitement and emotion, and start a renovation of tennis as an entertainment platform, in addition to the traditional sport,” said UTS Founder Patrick Mouratoglou.

The two-day event in New York will feature such tennis superstars as Nick Kyrgios (AUS), Andrey Rublev (RUS), Gael Monfils (FRA), Alex de Minaur (AUS), and Casper Ruud (NOR), competing for a total prize-money of $1 million USD.

New York will be the second time the UTS Tour has headed to the US, following a brilliant weekend in Los Angeles in July 2023. Additional UTS Tour events have taken place in Oslo, Norway (February 2024) and London, UK (December 2023).

● While away from the game for the last few months, Nick “King” Kyrgios will make his UTS debut in New York.
● Andrey “Rublo” Rublev – the champion of the first UTS event of the year in Oslo, will also compete in New York and has already booked his place at the
end-of-year UTS Grand Final (6-8 December).
● Alex “The Demon” de Minaur – the Australian was runner-up in Oslo, is second in the UTS race rankings and is closing in on qualifying for the
season-ending showdown, and will seek to seal it in New York.
● Other UTS stars scheduled to appear include former World No.2 Casper “The Ice Man” Ruud and legendary French showman Gael “La Monf” Monfils.
● Other major players are due to join the field in the next few weeks.

A field of eight players will compete in a single elimination bracket through quarterfinals (August 22nd), aemifinals and the final (August 23rd). If a player is knocked out in the quarterfinal, he’ll still get to play a second match – a classification match to give him the chance to gain more UTS points to boost his
ranking. There’s more than just points on the line at Forest Hills, with total prize money of $1 million.

REMINDER OF UTS FORMAT

4 quarters of 8 minutes each
Less time (15 seconds) between points
No second serve
Unlimited coaching from the sidelines
Player interviews between the quarters
Strategic use of bonus cards by players

Tickets for UTS New York go on sale on Friday, March 22 and can be purchased directly from WWW.UTS.LIVE

— About UTS
Conceived by renowned coach and entrepreneur Patrick Mouratoglou, UTS is designed to be tennis like never before, with an innovative format designed to
engage and entertain. The UTS Tour comprises successive international events in a calendar year, building towards a Grand Final in December.

SportsBooks Give Novak Djokovic 80 Percent Chance To Win Wimbledon

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Novak Djokovic hasn’t won a major singles title in a year. Sportsbooks believe that’s going to come to an end on Sunday when he faces Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon men’s singles final.

Djokovic is given -400 odds, or an implied 80% chance to win his seventh Wimbledon title, which would give him a 21 major singles title and. Meanwhile, Kyrgios, playing in his first major singles final, is given +335 odds, or an implied 23% chance to win his first grand slam title even though he’s had extra rest. 

Bettors completely disagree with sportsbooks on this one. Since Djokovic’s victory, he’s only seen 33.6% of bets to win Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Kyrgios has seen 66.4% of bets.  

“Sportsbooks and bettors are at odds over this one,” said OddsChecker spokesman Kyle Newman.

Will it be Djokovic or will it be Kyrgios? It’s clear that bettors believe that the books are undervaluing the extra rest that Kyrgios has gotten. It’s also worth noting that Kyrgios is 2-0 against Djokovic in his career. However, Djokovic has won the third most Wimbledon titles of all time, just one behind Sampras and two behind Federer. He’s won the last three Wimbledon Men’s tournaments.” 

For more information on OddsChecker, go to https://www.oddschecker.com/us/tennis/wimbledon-mens

 

Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios Walkover Wimbledon Win Over Rafa Nadal Not The Most Famous Ever

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Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from his Wimbledon semifinal with Nick Kyrgios with a stomach tear shocked the tennis world. However, it is not the most famous “Wimbledon Walkover” in the history of The Championships.

In one of the most unusual episodes ever in tennis history came in the 1931 Wimbledon final when American Sidney Wood won the men’s singles title by forfeit. Wood, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 97, tells the story in his book “The Wimbledon Final That Never Was…And Other Tennis Tales From A By-Gone Era” (for sale and download here https://www.amazon.com/dp/0942257847/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_MJT771VHG5P7VNGMVCW1) of how he won the Wimbledon title over Frank Shields, his school buddy, doubles partner, roommate and Davis Cup teammate (and model and actress Brooke Shield’s grandfather) when Shields was ordered by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) to withdraw from the final to rest his injured knee in preparation for a U.S. Davis Cup match following Wimbledon. He then discusses his “private understanding playoff” that saw his match with Shields at the Queen’s Club tournament final in London three years later be played for the Wimbledon trophy.

Writes Bud Collins in “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” book of Wood, “he became the second-youngest champion of Centre Court, and without stepping onto the hallowed sod. Frank Shields, with an injured ankle, withdrew, the only time Wimbledon has had a defaulted final.”

“Frank wanted to play, and so did I,” Wood said to Collins years later . “It was insulting to the fans and the tournament. I didn’t want to win that way. But the U.S. Davis Cup committee ordered Frank to withdraw so he’d be ready for Davis Cup the next weekend against Britain, which we lost. It shows you the control the USTA had over us amateurs.”

Wood got to the final with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, decision over Britain’s Fred Perry, the future champion, and, at 19, became the youngest Wimbledon champ until 17-year-old Boris Becker in 1985.

Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of “Juan Martin del Potro: The Gentle Giant” by Sebastian Torok, “Althea Gibson: I Always Wanted To Be Somebody” by Althea Gibson, “The Pros: The Forgotten Era of Tennis” by Peter Underwood, “The Greatest Tennis Matches of All-Time” and “Pete Sampras: Greatness Revisited” by Steve Flink,  “The Education of a Tennis Player” by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, “The Secrets of Spanish Tennis” by Chris Lewit, “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” by Bud Collins,  “Titanic: The Tennis Story” by Lindsay Gibbs, “Macci Magic: Extracting Greatness From Yourself And Others” by Rick Macci with Jim Martz, “Andy Murray, Wimbledon Champion: The Full Extraordinary Story” by Mark Hodgkinson, “Cattle To Courts: A History of Tennis In Texas” by Ken McAllister, “Sport of a Lifetime: Enduring Personal Stories From Tennis” by Judy Aydelott, “Trojan Tennis: A History of the Storied Men’s Tennis Program at the University of Southern California” by S. Mark Young, “Absolute Tennis: The Best And Next Way To Play The Game” by Marty Smith, “How To Permanently Erase Negative Self Talk So You Can Be Extraordinary” by Emily Filloramo, “Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion’s Toughest Match” by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, “Your Playbook For Beating Depression: Essential Strategies For Managing and Living with Depression” by Cliff Richey and Mary Garrison, “The Greatest Jewish Tennis Players of All-Time” by Sandra Harwitt, “Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection” by Rene Stauffer, “The Days of Roger Federer” and “On This Day In Tennis History” by Randy Walker, “Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain” by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, “Tennis Made Easy” by Kelly Gunterman, “A Player’s Guide To USTA League Tennis” by Tony Serksnis, “Court Confidential: Inside The World Of Tennis” by Neil Harman, “A Backhanded Gift” by Marshall Jon Fisher, “Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games” by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli (www.Boycott1980.com), “Internet Dating 101: It’s Complicated, But It Doesn’t Have To Be” by Laura Schreffler, “How To Sell Your Screenplay” by Carl Sautter, “Bone Appetit: Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog” by Suzan Anson, “The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle” by Stewart Wolpin among others.

“The Wimbledon Final That Never Was…” book

Wimbledon 2019: The Five Things We Would Love To See Happen

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With Wimbledon underway, tennis fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the most prestigious tournament on the calendar. The All England Club will once again play host to the third tennis major of 2019, where a whole host of players will all ensue in battle to try and take the coveted prize. The thing with Wimbledon, is that it tends to be the same old drill every year.

That’s not to say the tournament isn’t exciting, but wouldn’t it be a breath of fresh air with a bit more controversy and some stand-out talking points. Throughout its glorious history, Wimbledon has served up some of the most magical and iconic moments – but we would love to see the below happen this year. FYI, this is nothing more than light-hearted fun, so please take it with a pinch of salt… or a dollop of strawberries and cream!

John McEnroe to launch an unnecessary tirade at anyone

John McEnroe was perhaps more notorious for his foul-mouthed tirades than his superb tennis ability, and the current BBC commentator could cause quite the stir again this year. How I can hear you ask? Well, imagine a bad call being made and McEnroe revisits yesteryear and storms out of the media section and squares up to the umpire. I mean, it will have nothing to do with him but the humour factor would be brilliant.

Tim Henman make a comeback and wins a semi-final game

Ah, Tiger Tim. The nearly man who never quite made it in his heyday during the late 1990s and early noughties. Henman’s efforts were never in doubt, although he never made it to a Grand Slam final so wouldn’t it be a remedy of sorts if he hijacked the men’s semi-finals and took the match point to warrant a place in the final! Come on Tiger Tim, you can do it! Imagine the scenes!

Andy Murray branches out from his monotone voice

He won’t be featuring in the men’s singles this year, but Andy Murray will be flying the flag for Britain in the men’s doubles at least. The two-time winner is likely to retire after the tournament, which means we’ll be missing Murray’s lethargic and tiring post-match interviews. The seemingly unenthusiastic Murray has often been criticised for his monotone voice, so wouldn’t it be a breath of fresh air if he delivered his thoughts and feelings in a much more positive fashion. Sign off on a high note, eh Mr Murray.

Nick Kyrgios being nice to umpires

He is one of the most controversial players to grace the game and certainly someone who is no stranger to trouble, so imagine a certain Nick Kyrgios actually being nice to people, namely umpires. The hot-headed Australian has been the centre of many misconduct charges in recent years and his charge sheet shows no signs of slowing, so wouldn’t it be a welcome relief to see him actually be pleasant to everybody, for a change.
Federer, Nadal and Djokovic having a big fight

Okay, so this would be a rather peculiar sequence of events and one that would really tarnish the game, but what if the three best players on the men’s circuit all had a huge scrape in the middle of Centre Court? The reasoning behind it is unclear at this stage, but we’d guestimate that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic would all be trying to settle who is the best of the best. I mean, we could just determine it from the tennis the play and the H2H records but that’s just boring, isn’t it.

All jokes aside, take a look at all the latest prices for this year’s event at Paddy Power, where you can bet on Wimbledon right now.

The Nick Kyrgios-Popularized Underhand Serve Is Trail Blazing

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by Rajagopalan Rohinee

It is said that rules are meant to be broken. In sports, however, there are a few rules that can seem like they have been broken, especially when followed to a T. Like employing an underarm serve and receiving flak for it even though it is permissible under the sport’s regulations.

Nick Kyrgios’ irreverent usage of the underarm serve in his matches – against Rafael Nadal at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, and against Dusan Lajovic at the Miami Open – raised a furore even to the extent of fingers being pointed at him for not respecting his opponent. This, despite Nadal pointedly clarifying that he was not referring to Kyrgios hitting an underarm serve against him.

Borrowing from an oft-used cricketing adage, Kyrgios’ actions, then, seem to be contravening the so-called ‘spirit of the game.’

To elaborate, in the cricketing parlance, nothing brings out the utilisation of this term more than the action of ‘Mankading.’ The term refers to a method of run-out by the bowler of the batter at the non-striker’s end while the batter is positioned out of the crease at the time of the ball being bowled. Former Indian allrounder Vinoo Mankad, who was the first to employ this tactic in a Test series against Australia back in 1947, went on to give it its name which has since come to be used in a denigrating manner in contemporary times.

Like the underarm serve, Mankading, too, is permissible within cricket’s laws and bye-laws except for provisions underlining its prescribed usage. But invariably, like in tennis, in the heat of the moment, using it as a means to score an advantage for the bowling team is construed as an attempt to subvert the ethics of sportsmanship or the aforementioned ‘spirit of the game’, creating an ironic redundancy.

Addressing the subject by dwelling on it, instead of casting it aside, is necessary to curb this existence of irony, especially in tennis.

While in cricket, the code of the sport being a ‘gentleman’s game’ curbs the need to use Mankading time and again, in matches, tennis for its own reasons, too, does not see much of its players take the underarm-serve route (at least in the highest rungs of the professional Tour). Excluding Kyrgios’ ingenuity in his timing of using an underarm serve, it has been seen as a ‘Hail Mary’ with its immediate purpose to help the server recover lost ground – mentally just as much as physically – in a match. Case in point: Michael Chang’s now-famous win over Ivan Lendl in the 1989 French Open final.

That the game is struck on whether the methodology should be applied after nearly three decades of it being the pivot in an all-important match, then, lays emphasis about the sport’s evolution. That regardless of the possibility of an underarm serve coming into play mid-match, it continues to be relegated to mental outposts when it comes to determining tactical unique selling propositions (USPs) merits introspection from the game’s stakeholders. Rather than it being an aspersion on a player choosing to exercise it as a viable option.

In this context, the potentiality of a player serving underarm closely resembles the SABR – the much-lauded and the equally-disparaged Sneak Attack By Roger – pioneered by Roger Federer back in 2015. The Swiss’ manoeuvre of coming to the net even as his opponent was preparing to serve with the ball toss meant that he put the other player on the backfoot even before the ball had been directed from his racquet. Federer’s inventiveness fell in line with the game’s rules but ruffled many feathers, including that of Boris Becker who was then coaching Novak Djokovic.
In these following years, Federer has made use of the strategy frugally partly thanks to his rivals have also become conscious that it could be greeting them in a literal, sneaky manner. This has also led to a lessening of the frenzy surrounding the shot such as it was back when it first came to be a part of tennis’ lexicon. In other words, people got used to it.

So, if tennis’ widespread audiences could adapt to seeing a style of play that was admittedly trail-blazing, rightfully the underarm serve by virtue of being around longer should have seen a similar flexibility. Perhaps, the only way to get it done now is by making it more common, more visible thereby normalising a facet that ought to have always been thus deemed.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios

Will We See More Of The New Acapulco Nick Kyrgios?

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by Rajagopalan Rohinee

In the end, Nick Kyrgios made it look easy in his straight-set title-win over Alexander Zverev in Acapulco. And just like that, he shifted the narrative from how he made his life difficult on-court with his behavioral eccentricities to how effortless he made it seem, as if to reinforce the credibility of his talent all over again. But the takeaway is, did Kyrgios intend for the latter to happen? And, if he did, would he stick with this in the upcoming events or revert to what had been his type (until before Acapulco)?

But the thing is – it does not matter either way. So, when there is talk about him replicating his recent results further along the way or of him living up to his prodigious capabilities, there is a passing over of external expectations onto him. This also creates unnecessary and unwanted obligations for him to do well so as to fulfil promises invoked under his name by the audiences – thereby creating a vicious cycle of presumptions and disappointments.

Come to think of it, then, Kyrgios has had no part to play in this cyclical display of unfulfilled expectations. All along, while these have played around him – since he first defeated Rafael Nadal at 2014 Wimbledon – he has been true to himself. In trying to make him change, to make him conform to stipulations – well-established and therefor, expected – the audiences are doing him a disservice and yet again, piling up their notion of an ideal player on his shoulders.

Contextually, then, Kyrgios is no different to other people – in everyday life – with ebbs and flows to match. A random someone finds it harder to make it to his line of work, or finds innumerable faults with it. Yet, there is a dogged continuance in the same work in order to prioritise other aspects of the said someone’s life. Because that is how it has to be. So, why is it surprising when Kyrgios – a youngster – cribs and mouths off about his profession and yet, finds a way to make it work, when he does? If this were not enough, with Kyrgios’ each achievement, a parallel develops in which not only his performance but also his persona is dissected.

After his win in Acapulco, Kyrgios admitted that there were changes he needed to bring about enhance his career. “I’m very lucky to be in this position. I need to be way more disciplined, way better professionally and do the right things. I don’t even have a coach, so maybe I start there,” Kyrgios said, while sharing that he had been jet-skiing a few hours before playing the final. What he said and he choose to do proved Kyrgios’ contradictoriness. As it showed well-established precedents – not only set by other players in the sport but also in general, in life – had their limits, and their exceptions.

In fairness, it would be wrong to say that these quirks would work each time. But in sport as in life, nothing is a given. Wins and losses are par for the course, and for each time Kyrgios has been (rightfully called out) for his lack of efforts, observers also need to equally righteously appreciate his committed performances while letting him be. Tennis needs its share of mercurialness and it would be a poorer place without Kyrgios in it.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios

It’s All In The Head For Nick Kyrgios

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It’s often quite frustrating when you see a player who undoubtedly has talent but lacks the temperament to make it to the very top of their game. The career of Australian Nick Kyrgios has been littered with such incidents and again it’s surfaced at the Miami Open. His world ranking is rising, though, so could he rid himself of his inner demons and one day become a Grand Slam-winning top ten player?

A poor temperament can limit the success a player has. Take Ilie Nastase for example, a great player who would surely have won more Grand Slams if he hadn’t lost his temper so many times. The same can be said about John McEnroe, an all-time great but one who should have won more titles than he did. Even Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the greatest ever snooker players, has had to seek help regarding his mental approach to the game.obably never will. Yet here’s a player with great potential, particularly on a grass court. A Wimbledon title can’t be ruled out and he’s 20/1 at Paddy Power to win there this year. To keep himself at the top of his game for a fortnight is a task that looks beyond him. There always seems to be a temper tantrum just around the corner, doesn’t there?

Last year saw him suspended for three weeks for “lack of best efforts” in a game against Mischa Zverev. Future champions don’t go around asking umpires, “Can you call time so I can finish this match and go home?” Later he claimed he doesn’t owe fans anything, so a future career in public relations isn’t that likely.

2017 has been a mixed bag so far for Kyrgios. The Australian Open wasn’t a great experience for him as he lost to Andreas Seppi in the second round, despite leading two sets to love. Kyrgios even considered taking a break from the game. He felt that all the country was against him but help from his family helped change that view.

When a player is on record as saying “I think when things get tough. I’m just a little bit soft,” then you know something has to change. He has sought some help regarding his often appalling mental approach to the game and it looks as if that might be paying off.

His form has improved and he has twice beaten Novak Djokovic, including at Indian Wells on his way to the last eight. Who knows, he might have progressed further but for having to pull out of his quarter-final with Roger Federer (who could teach him a few lessons on how to behave during a game) due to illness. His ranking is up to 16 and due to rise higher, especially if he were to have a good clay court season.

But again, the bad side of his character was shown during the Miami Open. He appeared to reprimand a ball boy during his match with Ivo Karlovic. “How am I supposed to catch that? It’s right at my feet,” the Australian shouted, leading to boos from the crowd. Okay, he made up with the ball boy later but it’s still a sign that his temperament isn’t quite up to scratch.

At the age of 21, Kyrgios is still a work in progress. The talent is there and he could well be a Wimbledon Champion one day, but the fiery Australian still has a lot of maturing to do in the meantime.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios

Andreas Seppi Comes From Two Sets Down In Marathon Australian Open Upset of Nick Kyrgios

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by Kevin Craig

@KCraig_Tennis

 

Andreas Seppi pulled off a massive upset on Wednesday in Melbourne as he battled back from two sets to love down to upset the home favorite Nick Kyrgios, 1-6, 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-2, 10-8.

“It was a very tough match. I didn’t start well but I started to play better and better. Last time (against Kyrgios) I was two sets to love up and lost and I thought I would try to do the same to him,” Seppi said.

This isn’t the first time the Italian has pulled off a major upset at the Australian Open, as he took out Roger Federer in the third round of the 2015 event.

Kyrgios, the 21-year old seeded No. 14 in this year’s Australian Open, has been pegged as one of the brightest upcoming stars for Australian tennis for the past couple years now, but has often raised eyebrows due to his temperament and demeanor on court.

He’s been seen noticeably tanking during matches, showing a lack of effort or care for the game, and another early, disappointing loss for Kyrgios will have his fans questioning his dedication to tennis once again.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but it was ultimately a pretty fun match,” said Kyrgios, who heard a few boos while walking off the court after the loss. “Obviously it’s not the greatest thing to hear. I didn’t have the best preparation coming into the Australian Open. But getting booed off, definitely not the best feeling.”

The match between Kyrgios and Seppi started how many would have expected it to, with Kyrgios rolling through the first set, including a break at love in Seppi’s first service game of the match. No breaks, or even any break points, were seen in the second set, but Kyrgios was still able to win it with ease as he opened up a 4-0 lead in the tiebreak and didn’t look back, taking it 7-1.

Seppi was able to make his presence felt in the second set, but you would have expected his fight to die down after missing out on the opportunity to even up the match. That was far from what happened, though, as the Italian veteran, now ranked No. 89 after being as high as No. 18 in 2013, roared back in the next two sets.

The young Australian just had no answer for Seppi, as he was once again unable to get a look at even a single break point in the third set, allowing the Italian to break at 4-4 to go up 5-4, and then comfortably hold to take the set.

“I was more concentrating on my game, not looking too much at what he is doing. I was focusing on my game and it worked out good for me,” Seppi said, as Kyrgios received two code violations and a point penalty in the third set.

In the fourth, Seppi had zero trouble. He broke in Kyrgios’ first service game of the set before breaking four games later for a double break lead. Once again, Seppi faced zero break points.

Seppi continued his roll in the decider, going up a break at 6-5 and serving for the match. Kyrgios finally woke up and saw his first break chances since the first set, as he broke back with ease to prolong the match. Just a couple games later, with Kyrgios up 8-7, he had a look at one more break point, a match point at this time, but Seppi was able to fight it off with a forehand winner.

That would prove to be the climax of the match as Seppi would go on to win 10 of the next 13 points after saving match point, breaking Kyrgios for a 9-8 lead before holding at 15 for the win, 10-8 in the fifth.

Andreas Seppi will take on Steve Darcis for a spot in the fourth round in the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios