Former top 10 player Mark Philippoussis has become the latest high profile name to signal his willingness to work with Australian talent Nick Kyrgios.
During an interview with Australian Associated Press, the 40-year-old confirmed that he would collaborate with Kyrgios if he was offered a position. In recent weeks Philippoussis has defended the controversy-stricken player, who season was ended early after being handed a suspension by the ATP.
“If I was coaching Nick, I would say what’s very important is that you can’t change who you are. Everyone is their own person and has their own personality.” Said Philippoussis in November.
Kyrgios currently doesn’t have a coach and instead relies on support from other members of his team, including fitness trainer Martin Skinner. He has been without a primary coach since parting ways with Todd Larkham shortly before the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. Shortly after winning his biggest title to date at the Tokyo Open in October, the 21-year-old was dismissive about the prospect of hiring a new coach.
“No chance I’m having a coach any time soon,” Kyrgios said in Tokyo. “[I] just won a 500. Think I’m doing all right.”
It remains to be seen if Philippoussis can persuade Kyrgios to contemplate a coaching partnership. The former world No.8 has also experienced his own fair share of controversy throughout his career. Philippoussis was engaged in a high profile argument with John Newcombe concerning the support he received during his father’s battle with cancer and refused to play in a series of Davis Cup ties.
The potential Philippoussis-Kyrgios partnership will not see a dramatic change in the game of the talented world No.13. Instead, Philippoussis’ tactic involves supporting and nurturing the 21-year-old.
“I’m not here to say what he’s doing is right or wrong,” he told AAP.
“It’s just important for him right now to get a good team around him. Not someone who says ‘don’t, don’t, don’t’.
“Because I feel like he’s that kind of person (that thinks) ‘if you’re going to do that to me, I am going to rebel. I am going to do my own thing’.”
Both men will have numerous chances to discuss a potential partnership over the next few weeks. Both Philippoussis and Kyrgios are currently participating in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). The two will also play in the World Tennis Challenge exhibition in Adelaide next month.
At 13th in the world, Kyrgios is currently at the highest ranking of his career. This season he has won a trio of titles in Marseille, Atlanta and Tokyo.
