Nick Kyrgios: Highs and lows of his rollercoaster year
Friday 6 November 2015 15:26, UK
Nick Kyrgios’ year will ultimately be remembered for the unfortunate insult he aimed towards Stan Wawrinka but there’s also plenty to look back on fondly.
Aged just 20, the controversial Aussie improved his ranking by 22 spots to become to world No 30 and even defeated Roger Federer before an injury ended his 2015 campaign.
We've recalled the highs and lows of Kyrgios' year.
Heading down under
The major action began with the Australian Open, the Canberra hitter's home tournament, and his performances offered little indication of the trouble that would follow. Perhaps more serene on the other side of the world, Kyrgios became the first teenager to reach two Grand Slam quarter-finals since Roger Federer in 2001.
A thrilling comeback victory over Andreas Seppi sealed that accolade, but he eventually fell to Andy Murray, who had acted as a big brother-type figure to the fiery Aussie while on tour.
It was an admirable showing for Kyrgios, whose world ranking shot to No 35.
Injury woes
Kyrgios was praised for battling through injury against Dimitrov
In his second match back after a back complaint, Kyrgios rolled his ankle against Grigor Dimitrov at Indian Wells. He was credited for bravely battling on, and even served for the match, but an eventual defeat would send him back to the treatment table.
He beat Federer!
Kyrgios labelled the remarkable victory his "greatest ever", and it's not hard to see why. He toppled the legendary Roger Federer in three sets at the Madrid Masters to further underline his burgeoning potential.
Ten months after eliminating Rafa Nadal from Wimbledon, Kyrgios beat his childhood hero 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (14-12). in the Spanish capital. Yes, he was cautioned by the umpire for his conduct but that was quickly forgotten as the great Federer trudged off court, a beaten man.
The youngest player in the ATP's top 50 was really coming of age so what could possibly go wrong?
More Murray issues
At the French Open, Kyrgios lost his temper in another elimination at the hands of Andy Murray. Suffering from wrist and elbow injuries throughout, he shouted "I hate this place" as Murray turned the screw.
Wimbledon worries
Kyrgios' problems really kicked into gear in London in a bizarre performance against Richard Gasquet where he was accused of 'tanking'. The Wimbledon crowd, unaccustomed to such a display of petulance, greeted his elimination with boos.
A code violation for swearing faded into obscurity after he strangely hugged a ball-boy then argued with the umpire about how slowly he was changing his socks. Kyrgios seemed to barely strike the ball in certain periods of the game.
The Wawrinka incident
Yet things would get worse - much worse. During a Montreal Masters tie against Stan Wawrinka (a match that Kyrgios won, it is scarcely remembered) he hurled an appalling insult towards his opponent that drew the ire of the sporting world.
Muttering callously under his breath, Kyrgios sledged Wawrinka about his girlfriend but was caught on a microphone, which broadcasted his moment of madness around the globe. Asked afterwards, Kyrgios still refused to back down from his remarks.
It would prove to be the incident that will define the richly-talented player's 2015 - and probably several years to come.
Tennis' most wanted man
Repeatedly booed in the post-Wawrinka weeks, Kyrgios delivered an odd display against Andy Murray at the US Open which led to defeat.
One passage of play resulted in a free shot into an empty court for Kyrgios who opted to showboat by hitting the ball through his legs, and missed.
More warnings for swearing were drowned out by criticism from the on-looking crowd and those concerned that such a talent could be wasting his gifts.
Dropped for the Davis Cup
Australia captain Wally Masur announced that he would not select Kyrgios for the Davis Cup tie that was eventually won by Great Britain in September. Having coughed up a fine to the ATP for his Wawrinka insult, and with a suspended 28-day ban hanging over him, Kyrgios watched his team-mates from home.
The drama continues
Kyrgios had already paid a new fine at the Shanghai Masters in October before, during a second-round loss to Kei Nishikori, he was accused of hitting the ball at a line judge.
Despite winning the first set 6-1, Kyrgios was angered by the perceived inexperience of ball boys and a cameraman who was talking as he served. Another tournament ended in tatters.
"Mate, it's an absolute circus," Kyrgios muttered to Bernard Tomic sat in the crowd.
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