Can Kyrgios Composure Bring Heat to Aussie Open Top Seeds

Nick Kyrgios is the kid from Canberra who all Aussies would love to see win the Australian Open one day. He shot to stardom last year after upsetting Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon and now heads into his second Australian Open with a lot more pressure on his young shoulders. The 19 year old is now a household name and the nation’s highest ranked player at number 50 in the world. Nobody expects him to win the title this year but how far can he go and can he improve on his second round exit in 2014?

Poor Preparation Ahead of Australian Open

Kyrgios hasn’t endured the best preparation heading into the Open with injury affecting his build up. He pulled out of Australia’s Hopman Cup tournament due to a back complaint before entering the Sydney International as a final hit out for Melbourne. Unfortunately the entertaining Australian lost his first match in 4 months, to big serving 2013 Wimbledon Semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz. The signs weren’t promising for the Aussie who appeared to sometimes struggle with a knee issue and back soreness. Kyrgios said he can “only do so much” at the Australian Open but it appears the young gun won’t be going down without a fight.

“I am just doing whatever I can to get out there and compete but I am not at the level I would like to be at Kyrgios has told the media.”

Another Nadal Moment Awaits our Nick?

When Nick Kyrgios stepped out on court to face then world No 1 Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last year he had 21,000 Twitter followers. 24 hours after causing one of the greatest upsets at a Major he had 65,000 followers. He’s now got more than 88,000 twitter fans but with a fourth round showdown with Roger Federer on the cards, his page would surely explode if he was to upset the Swiss Superstar.

But Kyrgios will be concentrating on winning his opening match and while his preparation has been unfavourable the competition draw hasn’t’. He faces world number 57 Federico Delbonis first up while seeds Ivo Karlovic and journeyman Tommy Robredo are also in his path before a potential meeting with the Fed Express.

With little fear and the support of spectators Kyrgios could still cause an upset or two at the Open even if he’s not 100%. But now the Tennis world knows his name nobody will be taking him lightly. One of ten Australians in the draw he’ll be expected to fly the flag for the home nation alongside the enigmatic Bernard Tomic.

Short Stats on Nick Kyrgios:

Current Ranking: 50

Career High Ranking: 50

Australian Open Appearances: 1

Best Australian Open Result: 2nd Round (2014)

Best Slam Result: Wimbledon Quarter Finalist 2014