Tour veteran David Ferrer has become the latest player to experience what it is like to play a focused Nick Kyrgios. Contesting his first Masters 1000 semi-final for three years at the Western and Southern Open, the Spaniard was edged out in two tiebreakers.
At the age of 35, the former French Open finalist is one of the most experienced players on the men’s circuit. So far in his career, Ferrer has won 27 ATP titles and featured in 58 grand slam main draws. He has seen plenty of players come and go over the years. It is perhaps for this reason, why he is staying on the cautious side when tipping 22-year-old Kyrgios for a rise to the top in the future.
“I think that he’s a nice guy. Well, he’s improving every year, and he’s the future. He will have a lot of chances to be No. 1 of the world and to win Grand Slams, but (it) depends on his mentality.” Ferrer said.
On Sunday Kyrgios will contest his maiden Masters 1000 final. During a career that has been tainted by a series of controversial incidents, the Australian has reached the quarterfinals of two grand slams and has won three ATP titles.
Ferrer’s tentative outlook regarding the world No.23 has been echoed by Kyrgios himself. Shortly after his Cincinnati breakthrough, the straight talking Australian stated that there was more to life than tennis.
“It’s just hard for me to take the game seriously at times. If I’m number one or number 500, I’m just a tennis player. I don’t really want to be remembered as an unbelievable tennis player. I would rather be remembered as someone who was kind to people and stuff like that.”
Kyrgios explained that his outlook on tennis is influenced by his own experiences. Earlier this year his grandfather passed away three years after his grandmother. He paid tribute to them both after his match on Saturday by writing “74 + 89 R.I.P.” on the camera lens.
“He never missed a match. That was one thing,” Kyrgios said. “And my grandma that passed away, she was pretty much my mum for the most part of my life. I have been pretty crazy ever since she left. They were unbelievable support. It was tough. I can’t really talk about it too much.”
Kyrgios will play Grigor Dimitrov in Sunday’s final.
Ferrer talks retirement
In remains to be seen what the future holds for Kyrgios. As for Ferrer, the Spaniard is still showing no signs of retirement. After dropping to a low-point of 46th in the world last month, he won his first title in almost two years at the Swedish Open before a solid start to his North American campaign.
“Three months ago I thought that maybe after Roland Garros or maybe when I finish this year I will take a decision about my career.” Ferrer revealed. “And now I am 30th in the world, playing good tennis. I hope will play next year again. I think so, I will play. I am 100% sure that next year I will play.”
Taking a ‘step-by-step’ approach to life on the tour, it is unknown as to when he will bring his career to a close.
“I am not a top 10 (player), but I still have the motivation.” He stated.
Later this month Ferrer will participate in the US Open for the 15th consecutive year. He made his debut in Flushing Meadows when Kyrgios was eight-years-old.
