Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has caught the attention of many people for his antics on the court and one former player has now stated that they would like to work with him.
Six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker has said it would be ‘cool’ if he worked with Kyrgios during Eurosport’s Aufschlag Becker podcast. Describing him as a ‘player who is not couchable.’ The German is a former coach of Novak Djokovic and worked with him between 2013-2016. Guiding the Serbian to six major titles during that period. Since the split, Becker has worked as a sports commentator and for the German Tennis Federation.
“I would like to coach him! I think that would be cool – a player who is not coachable.” He said.
“As a good coach you have to face the challenge to find a way to communicate with your player. Whether I have to do this to me is another question. But if I just want to live out my passion for tennis, he would be the hottest player.”
Heading into the final grand slam of the year, Kyrgios has been embroiled in fresh controversy. During the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati he engaged in a confrontation with the umpire, who issued his with a time violation. A bemused Kyrgios branded the official a ‘f***ing tool” and committed a series of unsportsmanlike offences. He was later fined $113,000 for eight incidents ranging from leaving the court without permission to verbal abuse.
The controversy followed Kyrgios winning the Citi Open in Washington a week prior. Another example of the temperament of the talented, but fiery player. Something Becker believes he will be able to help address.
“If he has a good day he will beat Federer, he can beat Nadal and beat Djokovic already.” Becker said of Kyrgios. “He lacks consistency, continuity and discipline. But it is up to the trainer to teach him that it is worth it. As a player you can live out by winning, even more than before.”
Becker is not the first supercoach to offer their services to the world No.30. Another is John McEnroe. Like Kyrgios, the American was also renowned for his animated behaviour on the court during his career. McEnroe has worked with Canada’s Milos Raonic in the past.
“‘It would be a hell of an opportunity and, boy, it would be a tough gig, but… It would be interesting. People ask me that all the time. They do ask me about Nick.’ McEnroe told BBC Radio 5 Live in june.
Kyrgios will take to the courts at the US Open on Tuesday to play his first round match. Seeded 28th in the draw, he will play America’s Steve Johnson.
