The real Nick Kyrgios has arrived just in time
In our darkest hour, the man once considered to be our nation’s biggest brat has rushed to the aid of those in need. Such is the duality of Nick Kyrgios, writes Megan Hustwaite.
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As a New Year begins with the nation burning, it’s our tennis brat, not the Prime Minister who’s shown a comforting display of compassion, kindness and leadership.
Nick Kyrgios proposed a tennis exhibition match to raise money for those impacted by the bushfires, with the 24-year-old pledging $200 per ace that he hits across the Australia summer of tennis. Taking his lead, Alex de Minaur, Sam Stosur, Priscilla Hon, John Millman, John Peers, Storm Sanders and Ellen Perez have also joined the cause and are encouraging their peers to do the same.
His simple act has given us another glimpse into the real Nick Kyrgios.
For too long he’s behaved like a total twat on court with meltdowns, smashed racquets and disrespectful outbursts towards officials. He’s been petulant and rude in post-match press conferences and accused of the ultimate Aussie sin – giving up.
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The world No. 30 gets up the goat of sports fans and that’s mainly because he’s oozing with talent that he, at times, seems determined to waste. Kyrgios is gifted, but too often gets caught up in his own stuff and is yet to really scratch the surface of his mercurial, limitless potential.
But off court, Kyrgios has plenty of form and a long history of doing good.
He’s launched his own foundation which provides and creates sporting opportunities for underprivileged youth, and plans to build a facility in Melbourne with tennis and basketball courts, a pool, gym and dorms which will offer refuge to children that don’t have access to sport, are underway.
Kyrgios has also enjoyed a long affiliation with Camp Quality. In 2018, it was revealed that before critical games he was hitting the court with sick children, giving them an experience of, and memories for, a lifetime. These kinds acts were always kept undercover with no publicity.
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When asked about it ahead of a Davis Cup match, he told reporters he didn’t expect a pat on the back for it.
“I do it because I want to and because I’m in the position to do it, but never for public recognition,” Kyrgios said.
Last year, he helped a woman push her broken down car home before posing for an obligatory selfie.
He says on his website that for the first time he feels like there is a reason for what he is doing.
“Tennis is a great life – we are well paid and the perks are pretty good but it can feel pretty empty if you’re just doing it for the money. I now know what it’s all for. When I work on it (the foundation) I cast my mind forward to all the disadvantaged kids I will be helping. I’m playing for them now.”
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I’m the first to admit that for years, Kyrgios has ground my gears. I’ve ranted and raved about him on air, in conversation and on social media.
I reckon we get so annoyed at him because we care, because we know what he is capable of at his brilliant best, and we’re frustrated that he is his own worst enemy.
But in a horrific week for our country where our hearts have collectively sunk and we all want to help but feel helpless, Kyrgios’ kindness and initiative is touching.
As he says, he chooses to help others because he can and wants to. He can also choose to fulfil his potential and be the best tennis player he can possibly be.
May 2020 be the year he also does something for himself.
Megan Hustwaite is a columnist for RendezView.com.au
Originally published as The real Nick Kyrgios has arrived just in time