Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios Fast Becoming Modern-Day Ilie Nastase

August 13, 2015 by Admin

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

It’s now official. Nick Kyrgios is this generation’s “bad boy” of tennis.

The out-spoken and eccentric Australian has been part of a growing list of controversies, the latest being audible comments about Stan Wawrinka and his girlfriend during their match in Montreal, as documented here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/33906218/tennis-star-nick-kyrgios-caught-making-obscene-accusation-in-montreal

One of the first things I thought of in light of this latest hullbaloo is that Kyrgios could well be this generation’s version of Ilie Nastase.

There are many stories about the obscenities and crude comments and actions made by Nastase in his day. A simple google search will uncover a few. Cliff Richey, in his book “Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion’s Toughest Match” (for sale and download here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0942257669/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_01kZvb1FSEXVZ) discusses a few dust-ups and antics pulled by the man Hall of Fame journalist Bud Collins called “The Buffon of Bucharest.”

“The most notorious Bad Boy of us all was without question Ilie Nastase,” wrote Richey in his chapter on the most ill-behaved tennis players of his era. “His nickname was “Nasty” because of the dirty tricks he pulled.”

“Nastase used to mock me and really play to the crowds,” Richey also wrote. “He made fun of the grunting and groaning sounds I made when I hit a ball. He got the crowd to start laughing at me.”

Richey said he remembered a match where he wore a T-shirt with a picture of the infamous middle finger under his regular collared shirt, lifting it and showing it to the crowd when they got mad with him.

“He was literally saying “F you” to the crowd!” Richey wrote. “I really think Nastase enjoyed the carnival atmosphere more than anything else. I think that was his way of escaping the pressure. He would take a situation and make it into something he felt more comfortable with. That way he could pretend he was in control. He won the French Open and the U.S. Open that way. He was known as the Clown Prince of Tennis.”

Richey recounted two crazy circumstances in matches with Nastase as excerpted from “Acing Depression” below.

The occasion I remember the most came when he taunted me in Paris at the Masters in December of 1971. He had the crowd on his side, outright laughing at me. He was mimicking the way I acted. He turned it into a complete sideshow.

When I got off the court, I went into the locker room. I asked Zeljko Franulovic, “When a guy pulls something like that, what are you supposed to do?” He said, “You should have jumped the net and attacked him.” I was always known as a bit of a bad boy, but I never did anything like that!

In January of 1972, a few weeks later, we played a tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Clark Graebner played Nastase in the semis and I played the other semifinal match against Lew Hoad. Graebner did not like the way Nastase was acting and actually crossed the net to get in Ilie’s face in a threatening manner and said, “You will not treat me the way you treated Richey in Paris!”

All of a sudden, Nastase defaulted the match. When reporters asked why, he said, “Graebner frightened me.” In instances like that, yeah, man, you bet—you really do feel like you’re being thrown to the lions.

Nastase is still a good friend of mine, but there was a time when we didn’t speak to each other for a full year. During one match we played, the base linesman called a foot fault on his serve. Nasty kicked his shoe off at the linesman. I was waiting for him. He pretended that he couldn’t untie the knot to get his shoe back on.

I finally said to the umpire, a guy named Hague Twofink, “I’m not putting up with this. The rule says ‘continuous play.’ I’m claiming the match.”

I took all my stuff and went back to the locker room. I already started talking to reporters about claiming the match. My host that week, Bernie Koteen, came to get me and said, “You’d better go out there. They’re about to default you.”

So I went back out on the court and told Twofink, “I’ll play, but his foot fault stands. He only has one serve left. If he doesn’t put the ball in play within 10 seconds, I’m leaving. I don’t care who you give the match to.”

Twofink agreed. He announced that Nastase would have 10 seconds to serve. Nastase refused. The crowd started counting down: “10, 9, 8,” etc. Nasty never put the serve in play and was defaulted.

Like Nick Kyrgios, Roger Federer Also Tanked During A Pro Tennis Match

July 7, 2015 by Admin

Nick Kyrgios of Australia has been a trending topic at Wimbledon of late, due partially to allegations that he thanked a game in his round of 16 match loss to Richard Gasquet. Roger Federer actually had a defense to this behavior from Kyrgios, as can be read here:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/roger-federer-great-defense-20-133800000.html

It is also interesting to note that Federer, himself, tanked during a professional match. The episode is documented in the book “Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection” the book written by Swiss journalist Rene Stauffer, who has covered Federer since he was 15 years old. (The book is available here on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0942257723/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_1naNvb00ZM5CQ) Federer, now seen at the pinnacle of class and distinction on a tennis court, was once fined for violating the “Best Effort” rule as a 17-year-old in a satellite tennis event in Kublis, Switzerland in 1998. The book excerpt is found below.

After appearances in big events in Toulouse and Basel, Federer next competed on the much lower level Swiss satellite circuit—and felt as if he were in a bad movie. He just played before 9,000 spectators against Agassi, one of the all-time greats, in front of a major television audience with all the newspapers writing articles about him. Meanwhile, he just signed with the world’s largest sports agency, International Management Group, and was be¬ing supplied, like Pete Sampras, by brands such as Nike and Wilson. But now he suddenly found himself in the eastern Swiss town of Küblis, in a gloomy tennis stadium in a valley wedged in the Bündner Mountains. There were no spectators, no line judges and no ball boys. He was not facing Andre Agassi, but Armando Brunold, the No. 11 player in Switzerland, whom Federer by now outclassed as the No. 6 player in the country.

The first-round match at the circuit’s first tournament proved to be a cul¬ture shock for Federer and he reacted apathetically. His listlessness didn’t escape tournament referee Claudio Grether. “He simply stood unmotivated and non-nonchalantly on the court and double-faulted twice each game,” Grether explained. After Federer lost to Brunold 7-6, 6-2, Grether imposed a $100 fine against Federer because he violated the “best effort” rule stipulating that professional players must put forth their best efforts in every competition. “I could have disqualified him as well but then he would no longer have been able to compete in the rest of the circuit,” Grether said. Federer silently re¬ceived the verdict. With prize money earnings of only $87, Federer left Küblis with a $13.00 deficit. It would be the only professional tournament he played where he actually lost money.

But Federer learned his lesson. “The fine was justified,” he admitted and he reacted in a way that showed his class. A week later, he won the second tournament on the circuit and went on to win the circuit’s overall points title. His effort paid off and despite his initial setback, he moved past 100 opponents in the world rankings, landing at No. 303. Not bad for somebody who just turned 17.

To read daily anecdotes and anniversaries on Roger Federer, pick up a copy or download the book “The Days of Roger Federer” by Randy Walker here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1937559378/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_oIaNvb00Y0CNS

Kyrgios Defined By Grit, Toughness and Flash

June 28, 2015 by Admin

by Andrew Eichenholz

Nick Kyrgios had never stepped on a grass court for a tour-level event before he arrived at SW19 last year. A tight four-setter against an unheralded opponent earned him his first win at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Beating some guy named Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16 stole the tournament’s spotlight. But, neither are the reason that the young Australian has a chance to make another Grand Slam run this fortnight at The Championships, Wimbledon.

Playing Frenchman Richard Gasquet, a junior sensation turned more-than-solid professional, Kyrgios was against the ropes. Down two sets to none, he was not too far from going down with a solid first round win for his No. 144 ranking, but leaving without making much of an overall impact on the tournament.

Kyrgios would not go down without a fight.

Today, he has become known for his energetic personality, for lack of a better term. His flashiness comes out through both his racket and his emotions, time and time again. But, it was his grit and toughness that propelled him into the eye of the media, before taking out the former champion, Nadal.

Grit is mandatory for any tennis match on the pro tour, forget being down by two sets to one of the most talented players in the world at the most storied tournament in the sport. Saving a match point takes a special kind of grit, a scrappiness that shows an opponent that the only white towel being thrown around is the one being swiped at beads of sweat.

Nobody would have held it against Kyrgioa if he succumbed to who many probably thought was the better player. Nine times he faced the boot. Nine times he answered the call. In a five-set extra timer, the Australian could have used all his gas just to reel Gasquet in. At 6-6 in the fifth, it was anybody’s game.

The refusal to lose continued, as Kyrgios closed it out, 10-8 in the final set in possibly the most important match of his career.

Beating the Frenchman proved to the world that he is more than just a talented flash in the pan. He wants to win, even if it takes fighting tooth and nail when the outlook is not bright.

Over 100 spots higher in the rankings, one of the most exciting players in tennis returns to where he broke through. The talent is clear, but it is that grit that leaves the ceiling for Kyrgios’ chances that much higher this time around.

Jack Sock On The Brink Of No. 3 ATP Doubles Ranking Behind Bryan Brothers

May 14, 2015 by Admin

by Andrew Eichenholz

The duo of Jack Sock and Nick Kyrgios playing together in Rome may seem like many different things: fresh faces, big forehands, energy galore. But, if they should continue their strong performance at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, something peculiar will come out of it.

Sock, who did not play the Australian Open this year due to injury, can take over the No. 3 spot in the ATP World Tour doubles rankings, right behind Bob and Mike Bryan.

What? Yes, one of the up-and-coming talents on the singles circuit has carved himself a niche in the doubles world. As much as he may not have the hands at net that the Bryans, Daniel Nestor or Leander Paes have, he does possess one thing that few other in the world do, period: the Jack Sock forehand.

Not far behind Rafael Nadal in terms of spin, there are very few players in the world who have a more dangerous shot in their arsenal as Sock does with his forehand. Throw that onto the doubles court with a more than respectable serve, and it is not a fun day at the office for those on the other side of the net.

It all started at Wimbledon last year, when Sock partnered Canadian Vasek Pospisil for the very first time. Saying the two clicked early on is an understatement.

They won Wimbledon. After beating the Bryan brothers in a five-set final, Sock summed up their success in a press conference.

“We had a lot of fun. People could see that. I think that’s part of why we did well,” Sock said. “We really enjoyed being out there, enjoyed the moment. “

Sock having fun has been more than evident this year. As his brother Eric struggled with illness early on in the season, Jack has looked looser on the court, admitting that there is more to life than just results on the tennis court.

“Since he’s been out of the hospital I have written, For you, Eric, on my shoes,” Sock said in a press conference after his opening round match at Indian Wells, in March. “It’s just a good reminder out there that obviously this is, you know, my career and my living and everything, but kind of puts in a different perspective and you’re kind of playing for more.”

Sock only has played three tournaments with Pospisil since his return to the tour from injury, and the results have shown the effects of his more relaxed attitude. The pair won Indian Wells before falling short in the finals in Miami, where they lost to the Bryans. Pospisil turned his ankle last week in their doubles match in Madrid, creating the new Sock-Kyrgios tandem, at least for this tournament, in Rome.

While Sock may not be focused on the doubles court, it cannot hurt. His overall level of play has transferred to the singles court as well.

Sock is 11-4 so far this season in that department, with Roger Federer and two top-20 Frenchman also taking the American down.

Again, it may not mean the world, but if Sock should go on to win the Rome title with Kyrgios and earn the three next to his name in the doubles rankings, one can only think that it will give him more confidence to continue moving his way up the rungs of the sport.

Could Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis or Bernard Tomic be the next home winner of the Australian Open?

March 23, 2015 by Admin

It will be 40 years since an Australian won the Australian Open by the time the next Grand Slam in Melbourne comes around. But there are signs on the horizon that there may soon be another home winner.

With 10 months to go until the 2016 Australian Open, there is plenty of time for the excitement to build about the possibility of a home winner. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the prospect of that next tournament. But what do they do to pass the time over the wait of more than half-a-year? Many passionate Australian tennis fans could take to the internet to get their tennis fix. Computer games are one option but they could also play at online casinos. Slot games, such as Tennis Stars, are available. So, it is worth looking at an Australian online casinos site to see where to find your favourite game and fill that time in between both matches and the Grand Slam tournaments.

And as we count down to that next tournament, here are three players who could in the future be the first home winner of the Australian Open since the tournament switched to hardcourt from grass. While you get your tennis fix between now and the 2016 Australian Open, keep an eye on the development of this trio.

THANASI KOKKINAKIS

The 18-year-old is an imposing figure and has a big serve to match. Kokkinakis lost to compatriot Nick Kyrgios in the juniors’ final at the Australian Open in 2013 and he has continued to make progress after rising more than 300 places in the rankings in the past year. He has also made his competitive debut for the Australian team in the Davis Cup and has enjoyed a positive tournament at Indian Wells. He has already made two appearances at the Australian Open and lost to Rafael Nadal in the second round in 2014. This year, he produced a stunning performance to defeat 11th seed Ernests Gulbis in five sets in round one before losing to Sam Groth in the second round.

NICK KYRGIOS

Perhaps the undoubted star of Wimbledon last year when he reached the quarter-finals, Kyrgios looks the best equipped to become the first Australian winner of the Australian Open since Mark Edmondson. He knocked out Richard Gasquet and Nadal at Wimbledon before losing in the quarter-finals to Milos Raonic, who also beat him in the first round at Roland Garros. The 19-year-old, who is the 2013 boys’ champion in Melbourne, is inside the world’s top 40 after reaching the quarter-finals this year. He beat Andreas Seppi in five sets, after recovering from two sets down, before losing in straight sets to Andy Murray. He has been troubled by injuries, though, as a back injury prevented him from playing after Melbourne until Indian Wells. However, he damaged foot ligaments in losing to Grigor Dimitrov. When he is on top of his game, Kyrgios has the tools to trouble the best in the business, he just needs more experience.

BERNARD TOMIC

It has been a chequered career for Tomic and it is still hard to believe at times that he is only 22. He spent 2014 outside the world’s top 50, dropping to 124 at one stage, but is enjoying a renaissance after winning in Colombia last year and he is now inside the top 40. He won the junior title in Australia back in 2008, but has often found himself given a tough draw when it comes to the men’s singles. He has twice lost to Roger Federer and Nadal, but made it through to the last 16 this year to equal his best run at the tournament. He beat Philipp Kohlschreiber and Groth before losing in three sets to Tomas Berdych in round four. Tomic has been consistent since Melbourne and there is no denying he has the talent after beating David Ferrer at Indian Wells. He just needs to start beating more top-10 players to fulfil the promise that saw him reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2011.