Nick Kyrgios shows he will be one to watch at Wimbledon

28 June 2016 03:23

One win, one language violation and one impressive performance was the summary of Nick Kyrgios' Wimbledon opener against Radek Stepanek.

The Australian's talent is without question - his between-the-legs lob in this clash was proof of that - but so often his temperament has let him down.

Kyrgios has cut a far more relaxed figure in SW19 so far this year, with a short exchange of view with the umpire because of a language warning the only blot on his copybook.

He was keen not to cause a fuss about it, though, and when asked what he felt about a pre-match warning about his language he said: "I'm not going to answer that question."

He was then asked if he had smoothed things over with the official and raised laughter when he said: "Yes, we're good. Well, we're not good, but"

On court there was plenty for the 21-year-old to smile about.

He navigated what he called a "nightmare" draw against veteran Czech Stepanek, beating him 6-4 6-3 6-7 (9/11) 6-1.

In front of the watching Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech and a strong contingent of vocal Australians, he showed why his tennis can do more talking than his tantrums.

Last year Kyrgios was booed when accused of giving up during a game with Richard Gasquet - an allegation he denied - while other off-court incidents have also blighted him.

"I feel this Wimbledon like I'm used to my surroundings a lot more, probably expecting a lot more out of myself," he added.

"To me, I do believe I can do good things in this tournament, go far, potentially win it. I don't know, something like that. I mean, I'm just taking it one match at a time at the moment."

One thing he was certain of was his appreciation for the 37-year-old Stepanek.

The two have struck up a friendship on the tour and as Stepanek edges towards the end of his career, Kyrgios has not ruled out a coaching role for the Czech with him.

"I don't really know what I want yet with a coach," he said. "So for me, just to have him give me advice here and there, while his career is still going. You never know.

"When he stops, he might step into a role where I might bring him along to tournaments. I don't know. I'm more than willing to give it a go with a guy like that, that has had such great success for a long time."

Kyrgios next faces Dustin Brown, another close friend, with the pair having played together for the Singapore Slammers in last year's International Premier Tennis League.

Source: PA