McEnroe criticises Kyrgios

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Wimbledon 2016: John McEnroe criticises Nick Kyrgios after Andy Murray loss

Australian Nick Kyrgios "doesn't understand" what it takes to be a Grand Slam winner, says three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.

Kyrgios, 21, lost 7-5 6-1 6-4 to British number one Andy Murray in Monday's much-anticipated last-16 tie.

"I hope he sees the writing on the wall before this gets chronic and irreparable," the American seven-time Grand Slam champion told BBC Sport.

"It's not just the mental side, he needs to work harder at his game."

Kyrgios is the youngest player in the world top 20, but his success has been marred by questions about his attitude.

He rose to fame by beating Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon but has been involved in a number of controversies, such as making remarks about Stan Wawrinka's girlfriend during a match last year, resulting in a suspended 28-day ban from the Association of Tour Professionals.

"He doesn't understand what it takes to be someone who wins Grand Slams at this level and that is unfortunate," McEnroe added.

I'm a bit soft - Kyrgios

Kyrgios did not react to McEnroe's criticism, but asked if he felt he was applying himself the best he could, he replied: "No."

He added: "When things get tough, I'm just a little bit soft.

"I've got experience, but it ultimately comes down to just laying it all out there and competing for a long time. I didn't do that today at all.

"At times, like I've previously said, I don't love the sport. But I don't really know what else to do without it. I know that I have the talent to do good things.

"I woke up this morning and played computer games. Is that the greatest preparation? I don't know, but it was fun.

"Every time I come here, I lose to good players. But it's just disappointing. I don't know. I just want to do better."

'Kyrgios must look in the mirror'

Kyrgios made 19 unforced errors in the fourth-round match against Murray - three times more than the Scot - and did not earn a break point.

The second set lasted just 26 minutes after a tight first set, which Murray claimed by breaking Kyrgios in the 12th game.

"Kyrgios has to look in the mirror if he wants to become a top player and win Slams," said McEnroe, who was involved in a number of heated exchanges with umpires during his career.

"I still think he will win Slams but not how he did it there. You can't give away points and games against someone as good and focused as Murray. Inexplicable. He's got to ask himself how badly he wants to become the best player in the world."

Shortly before the match, Kyrgios was pictured courtside as fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt competed in the doubles competition.

McEnroe said: "What kind of preparation is that? Two hours before you're out on Centre Court you're watching a doubles match! I know you need to keep nerves down, but come on."

Kyrgios denied that watching compatriot Hewitt's match before taking on Murray had hindered his performance.

"Whether I was in the locker room sitting down or sitting down next to the court, I don't think really made a difference," he said.

I understand he does not love tennis - Cash

Compatriot Pat Cash described Kyrgios as a "different sort of kid" but also said he is "definitely talented".

Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, added: "I think that is what frustrates a lot of Australians. To see that much talent, you want it to be utilised better.

"I just don't think he is that type of kid. He is getting better. He is doing his best to not get in as much trouble this year, though he still has a few fines.

"Nick says he doesn't really love tennis and I understand that. I didn't love tennis, I was just good at it. Andre Agassi said the same thing."

Never knew until now that Pat Cash didn't like tennis either!

 

[Deleted member 743561]

.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls41]

Kyrgios's attitude after that 1st set was horrendous. He needs a mental coach. On a side note, his sister in the stands was smokin' hot.

 

[Red Rick]

Kyrgios's attitude after that 1st set was horrendous. He needs a mental coach. On a side note, his sister in the stands was smokin' hot.

Go for it #sorrymategate

 

[kalyan4fedever]

The kid has big mouth but no game, classic definition of loser

 

[nadal_winning]

Kyrgios is one of the stupidest tennis players I've ever seen. Can't wait until Nadal meets him at Roland Garros, so he can pound him into the clay.

 

[chacmool]

kind of a shame to play worse than 102 years old stepanek

 

[Mr.Lob]

Well, on the plus side, at least Kyrgios is not making excuses. He admits he's a bit "soft" and doesn't put in the necessary work. He admits he doesn't love the sport... which may explain some of his on court antics. Maybe he'll come around to the belief that when you have a job, you do it to the best of your ability. He has a lot of room to improve his game.

 

[chacmool]

he wasn't a bit soft, he downright sucked
he played worse than a tanking tomic

 

[beltsman]

Kyrgios should be ashamed of himself. He should just retire for his own good. Really pathetic person.

 

[merwy]

I think it's very important that he steps away from that whole idea of "not loving tennis". The more you say it, the stronger you believe in it. Just learn to love it, see the good things in it. Know how lucky you are to be doing this.

I remember in my first couple of years in med school, I hated going to lectures and was failing tests here and there. This was frustrating and I just kept saying that I hated it and that this wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't want to spend all my free time in books and in the hospital. At some point I managed to turn it around and became increasingly more disciplined. My grades slowly started going up. Now everything is going well and I love studying medicine. Can't wait until I become a physician. Funny how 3 years ago I was sure I would hate the life that I'm enjoying now.

 

[Shaolin]

In 2 weeks he'll be proclaiming Kyrgios GOAT.

 

[MAX PLY]

If only Harry Hopman were around to give Nick and Bernie a little "mentoring."

 

[chacmool]

if we ignore the hype he's at par with the rest of his generation ( they can sometimes beat berdych and not much more)

 

[ibbi]

"I woke up this morning and played computer games. Is that the greatest preparation? I don't know, but it was fun.

That's a hell of a quote!

 

[chacmool]

this ?

 

[killerboi2]

Good that he is getting under the skin of the public and a lot of posters on here imo. Makes for more entertainment. Still needs to stop mugging it up on the court and use is personality in a positive way though. I think he needs a coach that can get him in the game mentally and also better advisors to help him deal with the media.

 

[meltphace 6]

Kyrgios may never be a big champ but he is an interesting, honest human being. Good guy.

 

[Laurie]

Never knew until now that Pat Cash didn't like tennis either!

I don't think Cash said he didn't like tennis, he said he didn't love it, that is two totally different things. Although to be fair I don't believe Cash, he has always loved tennis and loves playing the seniors tour. Cash's problem was getting involved in the wrong crowd and getting hooked on cocaine which he went into some detail in his book, his 2nd wife back in the late 1980s introduced him to it and it almost ruined his life.

Due to a lot of injuries Cash didn't have a full career as a tennis player.

 

[NuBas]

Kyrgios's attitude after that 1st set was horrendous. He needs a mental coach. On a side note, his sister in the stands was smokin' hot.

Didn't even know he had a sister but man you're right!

 

[Mainad]

Didn't even know he had a sister but man you're right!

Nice pics of Nick and his family. His sister is gorgeous!

 

[Noleberic123]

He prepared to face the second best player in the world by playing video games

 

[Mainad]

He prepared to face the second best player in the world by playing video games

Call me naive but I don't necessarily see what is supposed to be wrong with that. Players find their own methods of relaxation prior to a big match. Some may sit up all night before discussing tactics with their coach. Some chill out playing video games. So what?

I guess it would be interesting to hear what other players do to prepare for a big match especially the top guys.

 

[Noleberic123]

Call me naive but I don't necessarily see what is supposed to be wrong with that. Players find their own methods of relaxation prior to a big match. Some may sit up all night before discussing tactics with their coach. Some chill out playing video games. So what?

I guess it would be interesting to hear what other players do to prepare for a big match especially the top guys.

I heard Djokovic stops using his phone 2 hours before a match.

 

[Mainad]

I heard Djokovic stops using his phone 2 hours before a match.

Knowing Novak, he will probably spend those 2 hours meditating silently in a yoga position.

 

[Noleberic123]

Knowing Novak, he will probably spend those 2 hours meditating silently in a yoga position.

Probably. His wife must get annoyed at times.

 

[Mainad]

if Murray doesn´t win Wimbledon this year, his will be the next Brexit

What do you mean?

 

[Mainad]

Probably. His wife must get annoyed at times.

I expect she's well used to his pre-match rituals and routine by now and probably respects them. After all, they seem to work (most of the time).

 

[Noleberic123]

I expect she's well used to his pre-match rituals and routine by now and probably respects them. After all, they seem to work (most of the time).

Well obviously Querrey does not agree with you

 

[Mainad]

Well obviously Querrey does not agree with you

I did say "most of the time".

 

[Noleberic123]

I did say "most of the time".

Might work a lot less from now on

 

[Serve&Bash]

One of the most interesting statements I hear from commentators and fans is when discussing a supposed future-talent, they accurately point out what they think are huge flaws in the players game...and then follow it up with "Now, I still think he will win slams. Maybe multiple, but.."

Is the last bit just a thrown in remark to make it seem like you are not biased against the player in question? If it is, I don't think its necessary. I have nothing against Kyrgios, but the way he plays I don't see how this guy will win a slam. Hey, I could be wrong, but his game has holes. Blasting serves, going for whacky (albeit very impressive) forehand winners and the most ridiclously casual approach to approach shots and volleys. You guys see that volley at 30-40 he missed to lose the first set? Terrible.

 

[Noleberic123]

Didn't even know he had a sister but man you're right!

Marry me

 

[Dartagnan64]

Kyrgios has clearly outline his problem. He's not in love with his job. Many people aren't and generally they don't rise to the top because of it. The guys that are the top of their profession either are immensely driven or love their work. Kyrgios is neither. That will be his downfall. He's just out there making a living.

And tbh I don't have a problem with that attitude. It's OK to be very good, cobble together a living and leave a wealthy man to pursue interests that you truly love. Sure the average man must get frustrated because we would love to have an ounce of his talent. But we shouldn't transfer our inadequacies onto someone else and judge him. How many of us are the top of our field of work?

 

[Chanwan]

Kyrgios is one of the stupidest tennis players I've ever seen. Can't wait until Nadal meets him at Roland Garros, so he can pound him into the clay.

Good on Rafa for pulling out this year. That way he failed to defend his streak of 4 consecutive Wimbledons losing to a guy outside top-100

Kyrgios has clearly outline his problem. He's not in love with his job. Many people aren't and generally they don't rise to the top because of it. The guys that are the top of their profession either are immensely driven or love their work. Kyrgios is neither. That will be his downfall. He's just out there making a living.

And tbh I don't have a problem with that attitude. It's OK to be very good, cobble together a living and leave a wealthy man to pursue interests that you truly love. Sure the average man must get frustrated because we would love to have an ounce of his talent. But we shouldn't transfer our inadequacies onto someone else and judge him. How many of us are the top of our field of work?

Great comment. But it is still frustrating to watch for us everyday normal guys

 

[Steve0904]

Nice pics of Nick and his family. His sister is gorgeous!

You're not kidding. If that really is his sister she's a beauty.

 

[mika1979]

Kyrgios is such a soft target. Yes he is a rude and arrogant but at least he is real. Not many others can say the same.
I think people see some of themselves in him and want to believe they are better than they are. I hate sports people who give clichéd answers. By the way media, certainly print, are much worse

 

[merwy]

That's a hell of a quote!

A quote that perfectly demonstrates that he hasn't got his head on right at the moment. At least not right for a pro tennis player. He can't even realize that it would be a lot more "fun" to do a proper preparation, fight until the end of that match, and not be left with this empty feeling that he could've done a lot more. He really needs to fix this asap because soon it'll be too late and he'll be another Gulbis who has a mid-life crisis at 25 and tries desperately to put together a decent career after it's too late.

 

[NuBas]

Nice pics of Nick and his family. His sister is gorgeous!

Man oh man, I don't really have crushes anymore but she looks so cute, even better if she played tennis, she's really contending for the avatar picture of Ana Ivanovic I have LOL. She looks more like her Dad and Nick looks like his Mom more.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Anybody find out what games he was playing?

I'm guessing he was using an updated GSW on NBA2k16.

 

[DJTaurus]

Now we are in business...
https://www.instagram.com/halimahkyrgios/

 

[NuBas]

Now we are in business...
https://www.instagram.com/halimahkyrgios/

Sit, looks like she has a boyfriend who eerily looks exactly like her but thanks for that link, now time to stalk.

 

[Wilhelm]

Kyrgios is easy to criticize. But he is actually daring to be different in his handling of the media: He tries to be more authentic and answer questions more honestly than most players. The only thing is, he does not yet seem comfortable in his role, maybe some media training is needed to draw some boundaries of protection. Roddick and Gulbis could be good examples of more "open" communication styles, but you can't fake the smarts and wit of Andy or the calm warmth of Ernests..

Dealing with the media is actually hard to get right. Most people work hard to learn it. Murray has found one of the easiest ways to solve this problem: He fakes a boring persona, so the media gets nothing.

 

[ruerooo]

he wasn't a bit soft, he downright sucked
he played worse than a tanking tomic

I don't think it gets any worse than that

 

[ruerooo]

he does not yet seem comfortable in his role, maybe some media training is needed to draw some boundaries of protection

I've been saying this for awhile, and I'm kind of blaming Tennis Australia for not getting it for him.


Look what a mess that whole Olympic thing was -- and didn't need to be. Not all personalities mesh, and Kitty Chiller was like the second incarnation of Dolores Umbridge. I mean, look at her name, for Jeebus' sake.

And I'm like "Why wasn't there someone to help him handle that?"

Where was LLeyton? Isn't he supposed to be retired instead of coming back out on court like Captain Freedom from Schwarzenegger's Running Man? Why isn't he paying more attention to helping his young players develop?

 

[mxmx]

I've been saying this for awhile, and I'm kind of blaming Tennis Australia for not getting it for him.


Look what a mess that whole Olympic thing was -- and didn't need to be. Not all personalities mesh, and Kitty Chiller was like the second incarnation of Dolores Umbridge. I mean, look at her name, for Jeebus' sake.

And I'm like "Why wasn't there someone to help him handle that?"

Where was LLeyton? Isn't he supposed to be retired instead of coming back out on court like Captain Freedom from Schwarzenegger's Running Man? Why isn't he paying more attention to helping his young players develop?

Man oh man is your running man reference funny

 

[Ciaron]

He's basically a bit of a turd and that's about it

 

[Russeljones]

The fact that the tennis community (older players) are pretty much all vocally criticizing this guy speaks volumes. They really want a change of the status quo. It's not just us regular fans who are tired of the stale order of affairs at the top of the game.

 

[Minion]

Kyrgios might be a plonker, among other things, but he seems quite honest though. Maybe he gets his act together, maybe he doesn't.

 

[jwjh]

"I woke up this morning and played computer games. Is that the greatest preparation? I don't know, but it was fun."
lmao