John McEnroe: Nick Kyrgios most talented player I’ve seen in last 10 years

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Former world No. 1 John McEnroe says it’s tough for him to watch Nick Kyrgios not fulfilling his potential. “I like Nick as a person, I coached him at the Laver Cup four times. He’s a good kid,” McEnroe told Alize Lim and Mats Wilander in the Eurosport Cube via Zoom.

“But it’s tough to watch because he’s so talented, so great for the game. I would love to see him step up and be in the top five or six players, where I think he belongs”. Kyrgios, who was once tipped to become a Grand Slam champion and world No.

1, has six ATP titles in his collection and his career-high ranking saw him ranked at No. 13. “I feel bad in a way because you see him make shots like this, play points like this, look at the crowd,” McEnroe added.

“The guy brings it. I would absolutely love to see him fulfil his potential or get even close to it”.

Kyrgios beaten by Daniil Medvedev

Kyrgios competed well during his Australian Open second round clash but it was Medvedev that won 7-6 (1) 6-4 4-6 6-4.

McEnroe was asked what stopped Kyrgios from beating Medvedev. “Between his ears, that’s what’s missing,” McEnroe replied. “He’s got great game. I would say tennis-wise, the most talented player I’ve seen in the last 10 years.

But you also have to bring what it takes to compete on a day in, day out basis”. McEnroe says Kyrgios has the talent but not the commitment and dedication required to reach the top. “Look at Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

These consummate pros who do whatever it takes to win and they look at Nick, they realise he’s great for the game,” McEnroe continued. “He’s got a personality, he’s a smart kid, he’s a good kid, everyone likes him.

He’s a fantastic talent but you’ve got to be able to put it together, you’ve got to be able to compete on a regular basis and unfortunately Nick hasn’t been able to do that for a while”.