The infamous confrontation between Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios is starting to turn into a distant memory as the Swiss player recently praised Kyrgios in Dubai.
In August 2015 Kyrgios made media headlines after making controversial comments to Stan Wawrinka during their second round clash at the Canadian Open. Recorded on camera saying ‘Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend’, the Australian received a six-month suspended sentence from the ATP as well as a hefty fine. Since the incident Kyrgios has apologized, however, relations between the two have remained fragile.
The two men were reunited in December after they both joined the Singapore Slammers for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). Shortly before the start of the IPTL, Kyrgios spoke positively about playing alongside the French Open champion.
“I think whatever happened has happened. I think we’ve got one goal, he’s a great player and he’s obviously going to be the main guy for our team, so I’m going to do everything I can, whether that’s me being on the bench, you know doing whatever I can to warm him up or whatever.” Kyrgios said.
Three months since their IPTL experience, Wawrinka appears to also be moving on from the incident. The Swiss is currently in the United Arab Emirates, participating in the Dubai Tennis Championships. During a media interview, the world No.4 listed Kyrgios as one of the young players who has impressed him the most on the tour.
“I think Kyrgios is really strong,” Wawrinka said about the Australian.
Last week at the Open 13 in Marseille, Kyrgios surged to his first ATP title without dropping a set in the entire tournament. The win has elevated him to 33rd in the rankings, eight places below his career best.
Kyrgios isn’t the only youngster that has caught the attention of Wawrinka. Germany’s Mischa Zverev is another youngster working his way up the rankings. Recently the 18-year-old was also praised by compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber.
“I I like the way Zverev is playing his game. I think he really has the game to improve and to be at the top”. The French Open champion said.
“He has a good team around him. He is already really strong. He is already focused on playing well. So I am sure I cannot give him any advice. So far, he is doing amazing in his career.” He added.
Completing Wawrinka’s trio of future stars is the youngest player currently ranked inside the top 20, Dominic Thiem. The Austrian recently stunned Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Argentina Open before clinching the title. Thiem, who is at a career best ranking of 15th in the world, capitalized on his Argentine success by reaching the semifinals at the Rio Open the following week.
“These youngsters are playing really well,” The Swiss said.
“They are already winning titles and making finals. We have a group of young players that are already strong.
“Thiem is No 15 in the world. So it’s going to be interesting to see how the year is going to be”. Wawrinka concluded.
