US Open 2021: Nick Kyrgios set to face Roberto Bautista Agut in first round of US Open on Tuesday

Nick Kyrgios has always ignored advice, but there’s one knowledgeable, equally charismatic, similarly gifted bloke he should have listened to all those years ago.

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 09: Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a shot against Reilly Opelka of the United States during a first round match on Day One of the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre on August 09, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Nick Kyrgios was fresh off his cringe-worthy Kokkinakis-banged-your-girlfriend humiliation of Stan Wawrinka and Donna Vekic, constantly tanking matches, behaving deplorably and repeatedly saying he hated the sport that had given him fame and fortune when Shane Warne sent him a message on Facebook.

It read: “We all realise you’re only 20 & have a lot to learn buddy. But please don’t waste your talent, everyone in the world, especially us Australians want to respect u. Remember respect is way more important than being liked, u need to respect the game of tennis & yourself. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we learn from them & the way we conduct ourselves when we lose that shows true character.”

Warne added: “You‘re testing our patience mate, show us what you’re made of & how hungry you are to be the best in the world, it’s time to step up & start winning, no excuses. No shame in losing, but show us you will never give up, that you will give it everything to be the best you can be, respect is earned not given! I believe in you & know you can do it, but now’s the time my friend …”

Nick Kyrgios plays his first round match at the US Open on Tuesday morning.

It was an interesting intervention because Warne and Kyrgios, barely out of his teens at the time, had certain similarities. The gifts of showmanship, flair, extraordinary natural talent and the opportunity to be masters of their crafts. Both of them sought a good time.

But while Warne fully embraced the challenge of getting the most from himself as an athlete, Kyrgios was already shying away from it. It takes courage to have a proper crack.

Warne’s message fell on deaf ears and blind eyes. He never received a reply. Around that time, at the 2015 US Open, Kyrgios revealed a fresh tattoo: “Time Is Running Out.” A year later, he was the world number 13 and the best young player in the world by the length of the Hume Highway. Time was his friend but now even time is losing patience with him.

Now he’s 26 years of age, ranked 86 in the world, playing part-time and trudging through early-round losses. His first-round US Open match is against Spain’s little warrior Roberto Bautista Agut at 10.15am on Tuesday.

Kyrgios now seems dedicated to selling tickets and making money. Personal bests mean nothing to him. The joy of the fight. The satisfaction in getting fitter, faster, stronger. The supreme ecstasy of setting a goal and achieving it – that’s what gets true sportspeople out of bed in the morning.

Warnie’s words of wisdom should have resonated with Kyrgios.

You have to be brave enough to put yourself out there in sport. Swallow your pride and concede you might fail. For such an electrifying performer, Kyrgios has a curiously bland approach to winning and losing.

He’s not fearlessly chasing dreams like Ash Barty. That’s his loss. Warne was right all along.

The joy of sport is in rolling up the sleeves and having a rumble. Digging your heels in and relishing the battle. You’ll win some and lose some., because you care. You’ll ride highs and lows, because you care. You become mature and tough enough to handle disappointments. If you’re not all in, it’s a cop-out.

Olympians and Paralympians have busted their guts in Tokyo. They’ve been glorious.

If it’s difficult to watch Queensland swimmer Grant “Scooter” Patterson without being inspired, it’s hard to watch Kyrgios bomb out of tournaments without being deflated.

Kyrgios doesn’t fearlessly chase dreams like Ash Barty.

Every time he quits a training session, a match, a tournament, the only person really missing out is him. He’s yet to have a proper crack.

Come 10.15am Tuesday, however, I’ll be firing up the Kayo to tune in. Cameo appearances are enjoyable while they last. I sense indifference to him these days.

He’s never listened to advice, but there’s one knowledgeable, equally charismatic, similarly gifted bloke he should have lent an ear to a long time ago. Warne. His spin on things, as always, was on the money.

Ultimate privilege: US Open’s hypocrisy over Covid rules

Sport fans are venting their fury towards US Open organisers after it was announced crowds will require at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine - but the same does not apply to players.

The US Tennis Association made the announced in line with the New York City Mayor’s office that it would mandate proof of Covid-19 vaccinations for entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main venue for the Flushing Meadows hardcourt showdown.

“Given the continuing evolution of the Delta variant and in keeping with our intention to put the health and safety of our fans first, the USTA will extend the mayor’s requirement to all US Open ticket holders 12-years-old and older,” the USTA said in a statement.

There is no mandate for professional tennis players to be vaccinated in order to compete

— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) August 28, 2021

That will require at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to enter the grounds of the National Tennis Center for access to any match in any venue.

However, no such requirement was announced for the players.

It comes in the same week as Stefanos Tsitsipas said he would not be getting vaccinated unless it became mandatory.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks on wearing a mask

“No one has told me anything. No one has made it a mandatory thing to be vaccinated,” the world No 3 said this week.

“At some point I will have to, I’m pretty sure about it, but so far it hasn’t been mandatory to compete, so I haven’t done it, no.”

Novak Djokovic - well know for his anti vax views - has made his feelings about it becoming a necessity well known.

The Serb - going for a calendar slam in New York - has declined to answer questions regarding his own vaccination status.

The duo are a far cry from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal who have used their platform to encourage people to do their part in helping the world rediscover some sense of normality.

Federer said in May that he received the Pfizer vaccine, while Nadal said: “The only way out of this nightmare is vaccination. Our responsibility as human beings is to accept it.

“I know there is a percentage of people who will suffer from side effects, but the effects of the virus are worse.”

No spectators were allowed at last year’s US Open due to Covid, a safety move that left the USTA with a $180 million budget deficit in 2020.

Fans need proof of vax, but players don't? 🧐

Must be nice living a life of privilege. https://t.co/1sBliTmi6M

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) August 27, 2021

This year’s tournament is set to welcome spectators at full capacity for every stadium, with the USTA having followed guidelines established by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mayor’s office and the New York City Department of Health.

Ticket holders were advised to bring a CDC vaccination card or other official immunisation record or a photo or photocopy of the card.

The USTA said it will have “extra measures to expedite entrance to the site to reduce any inconveniences”.

It remains to be seen if vaccinations against Covid will be mandatory for the Australian Open in January 2022.

According to Craig Tiley, a condition that fans, players and staff are vaccinated or show negative Covid-19 test results is being considered in a push to get as many spectators as possible to the Melbourne Park event in January.

It is believed players will be required to live in a “bubble” come the Mlebourne slam, with Tennis Australia and the government are working on a deal to allow players to quarantine for the first week in the country but be allowed to leave their hotels to practice.

“Right now, we are planning on having a two week bio-bubble, where the players can move freely between the hotel and the courts,’’ he said.

“This will keep them safe and the community protected at the same time as providing them the opportunity to train and compete in order to properly prepare for the AO.

“After the two weeks they will come out of the bubble and we be able to compete at the Australian Open in front of crowds.’’

Originally published as US Open 2021: Nick Kyrgios set to face Roberto Bautista Agut in first round of US Open on Tuesday