20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has issued a warning to Nick Kyrgios over his work ethic following the Australian’s controversial exit from the Shanghai Masters.
Kyrgios crashed out of the first round of the tournament on Monday to Bradley Klahn. During the match the world No.33 argued with umpire Damien Dumusois after being accused of not putting in enough effort. Dumusois described Kyrgios’ performance during the second set as ‘really borderline.’ The Australian later hit back at those comments.
“You know I literally could just go to the ATP office after this and say I felt put down from your comment and you’d be in trouble, right?” He was heard saying.
“I could literally just say I couldn’t play after that because I just felt put down. You realise that, right? I’m not going to do it, but I’m just saying.”
Nick Kyrgios lost his temper with chair umpire Damien Dumusois during another ignominious Shanghai Masters exit on Monday.
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Speaking about the controversy-stricken player, world No.2 Federer believes Kyrgios may not fulfil his potential on the tour if he doesn’t focus on his work ethic. The 23-year-old is a two-time grand slam quarter-finalist and has won four ATP titles, including this year’s Brisbane International. He has scored 15 wins over top 10 players, including Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
“I think it’s really up to him where he wants to go and what his potential really holds,” AFP news quoted Federer as saying.
“We don’t really know and I don’t think he really knows exactly what his potential is.
“And only through understanding work ethic and scheduling and whatever it might be, creating the right team around himself, only then can you unlock the potential really.”
The Shanghai Masters has become a tournament of nightmares for Kyrgios. Two years ago, he was fined $16,500 for his behaviour during his 6-3, 6-1, loss to Mischa Zverev. Later that year Kyrgios was suspended from the tour for his behaviour in that match. In 2017 he was fined another $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after quitting his first round match against Steve Johnson.
Despite his patchy record on the tour, Federer has backed Kyrgios to ‘win bigger tournaments’ by saying he has the ability to do so.
“But there is still a process in place that he needs to do like any other player needs to go through in order to be successful,” he added.
Kyrgios has a win-loss record of 24-13 on the tour so far this season. Since winning the Brisbane International in January, he has reached a further two semifinals on the tour in Stuttgart and London (Queen’s).
