Marat Safin tells Nick Kyrgios to stop joking around ahead of ATP Cup
Former world number one Marat Safin has offered controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios some advice ahead of next month’s ATP Cup.
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Russian tennis legend Marat Safin has urged Nick Kyrgios to “be a warrior, not an entertainer” and embrace the pressure to capitalise on his tennis gifts before it’s too late.
The former world No. 1 was able to defy his own on-court temper and theatrics to win two grand slam titles, including victory over Lleyton Hewitt in the 2005 Australian Open final.
Set for a return to Australia for January’s ATP Cup as Russia captain, Safin was sympathetic and hopeful for a man he can relate to.
“I’m not judging and I know it’s sensitive, and you hear three million times that if he gets serious he can be a top ten player, but I think he tries to hide his doubts by joking around,” Safin told AAP.
“He needs to face the pressure and be a warrior, not an entertainer.
“I think he’s a great warrior; he just needs to face the tough moments and once he does he could have a great career.”
Russia will play their pool rounds in Perth while Kyrgios will partner Alex de Minaur in the inaugural teams event in Brisbane, with finals to be contested in Sydney.
Kyrgios will do so facing a 16-week ban and $37,000 fine if he violates certain conditions after a string of incidents earlier this year.
The world No. 30 has been as high as 13th but has constantly faced scrutiny for his inconsistency, on-court behaviour and application.
Kyrgios was handed a six month probation period after an outburst at an official in August.
He called umpire Fergus Murphy “a f***ing tool” and a “potato” among a volley of abuse throughout the game as well as appearing to spit in his direction at the end of the match.
It was the latest in a long series of explosive outbursts.
Safin, once docked a point for “mooning” the crowd to celebrate winning a point, admits he “had his problems, big time” when it came to controlling his temper.
Australian tennis crowds have long been divided on Kyrgios, but Safin said the maligned talent could lean on them like he once did.
“They’re unbelievable, amazing and know how to life the life — it’s a great combination to play the best tennis,” Safin said.
“I know what I’m talking about … it’s difficult to deal with the pressure, a lot of people around you but this is life and the idea is to make less mistakes as you grow up.”
He said the suspended sentence could be the reality check Kyrgios needs to find clarity.
“He has great potential, for some reason he isn’t consistent and that’s why the ranking bounces left and right,” Safin said.
“Maybe that six months is enough time to rethink what he wants to do.
“Time goes fast and he’s not 18 anymore; the years fly, if you don’t wake up now he’ll look back, be 35 years old and that’s it.”
Australia will face Greece, Canada and Germany in Brisbane from January 3rd, with Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas ensuring no easy passage to Sydney’s finals.
Russia will play Italy, USA and Norway in Perth, with Sydney hosting the likes of Andy Murray’s Great Britain and Dominic Thiem’s Austria.
Originally published as Marat Safin tells Nick Kyrgios to stop joking around ahead of ATP Cup