Nick Kyrgios is 'good for tennis', says Australian's quarter-final opponent
- Sean Fisher
- 5 July 2022
Nick Kyrgios has reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, but now without controversy, with the Australian splitting opinion through his behaviour both on and off the court.
Nick Kyrgios has endured a rollercoaster ride at Wimbledon this summer. The controversial Australian has brought his usual dose of wit and character to SW19, but has also split opinion through his nonchalant approach to the game, with some labelling his actions disrespectful.
The Australian recently reached the quarter-finals after a stunning five-set victory over Brandon Nakashima, but was criticised for wearing red after the match in violation of the tournament's traditional dress code.
Kyrgios fired back at a journalist who criticised his decision to wear red, and the Australian was involved in more drama the week prior as he faced a $10,000 fine after he admitted to spitting in the direction of a heckling spectator.
🗣 "Any publicity is good publicity, right?"
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 4, 2022
Nick Kyrgios was not taking the bait when asked about his attire at #Wimbledon. 🎣❌#BBCTennis pic.twitter.com/3YSeY0zIAr
If that wasn't enough, Kyrgios' time on the court is usually littered with heated moments aimed at line judges or umpires, and the 27-year-old has also already gone through his fair share of rackets.
He's quickly become the marmite of tennis, but quarter-final opponent Cristian Garin insists he's an admirer of Kyrgios, while also suggesting he's good for the sport.
"I think Nick is very good player. For me, maybe the best serve on tour," said Garin.
"Yeah, I'm in quarter-finals, you know you will play the best players in the world. He is for me one of the guys that I like to watch. He's very good for tennis.
"I think Nick has to be seeded because he for me is one of the best players on the tour and on grass obviously. I mean, the opportunities you have to build. If we are in this round, we both beat good players.
"I don't see like an opportunity. I just want to enjoy, play my best, and fight every point as I always do."
Similarly to Kyrgios, Garin needed five gruelling sets to book his place in the final eight at Wimbledon.
One fan told Nick Kyrgios to stop moaning 👀😅#bbctennis #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/L4qgppqKEy
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 5, 2022
Having initially fallen two sets down to Australia's Alex De Minaur, the Chilean produced a sensational comeback to claim a 2-6 5-7 7-6 (3) 6-4 7-6 (6) victory.
Kyrgios initially thought he'd be facing his compatriot in the last eight, but is looking forward to instead playing Garin.
"I look at it as a big opportunity," Kyrgios admitted.
"Garin is obviously playing great tennis. I walked on Centre Court with seeing the score two sets to love De Minaur. They were in a battle.
"I was expecting to play Alex. I think Alex is a bit more comfortable on the grass. Then when I walked off the court and I got told it was Garin. It was surprising.
"I look at it as an opportunity but I need to do so many things before that match to get ready."
