Australian Open 2022: How Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios complement each other perfectly

Finally there is an understanding that Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios are what they are. And when it comes to the Australian Open, that combination is perfect.

Recognition and acceptance have been a theme around Melbourne Park this year.

In the opening week there was First Nations Day, a celebration of indigenous culture while on Monday there was the inaugural Pride Day, showcasing inclusion and diversity.

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And of course, we‘re still waiting for Craig Tiley’s acceptance day about the Novak Djokovic mess. (We won’t hold our breath)

For many Australian sports fans, a level of acceptance has also been reached in regard to two of the more polarising figures in tennis.

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Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios are an Aussie tennis match made in heaven.

There is a sense that finally there is an understanding that Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios are what they are.

Barty is the best female tennis player in the world but she is the most low key superstar of all time. Some might call her vanilla but she is all about the process, sticking to the process, executing the process and then talking only about the process.

There is none of the carry-on usually associated with someone in her position. There is no controversy, no grandiose statements on anything. Everything is handled with this mature grace and humility which makes her seem more 45 than 25.

Ashleigh Barty shares the Australian Open spotlight. Picture: AFP Images

Kyrgios won‘t win a grand slam title like Barty.

There is no argument that he has the game to do it but he simply doesn‘t want to do the work. The fact is he’s been telling us that for several years but we just haven’t been ready to accept it.

Every year we secretly hope there might be a penny drop moment where he trains away for months in Canberra and then emerges at the Australian Open in January and shocks the world with his commitment.

People, it‘s not going to happen.

But that doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy every second of watching Kyrgios.

The hype he generates is so good for this tournament and is the perfect one-two punch with Barty for Tennis Australia.

They are actually both very good for each other in terms of if the other wasn‘t there, life would be a lot tougher.

Nick Kyrgios has had Melbourne Park going wild. Picture: Getty Images

Barty likes going about her thing quietly and in the most efficient manner but if Kyrgios wasn‘t around the focus this week would be even more intense on her and what she was doing every minute of the day.

But when NK is doing his thing, eyes are elsewhere and she loves that.

Same for Kyrgios. If his old juniors partner wasn‘t dominating the women’s game and carrying all the burden about being the first Australian to win in Melbourne since 1978, then the spotlight would be more about why he wasn’t doing that.

The whole unfulfilled talent debate would be in constant overdrive if Barty wasn‘t there to appease those looking for some Aussie success.

It‘s a perfect marriage.

Ashleigh Barty hitting before her quarter-final. Picture: Getty Images

While it‘s inescapable not to have a few “what if” moments after watching Kyrgios push world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the second round, what he has done in the doubles has helped save the tournament.

With so many big names missing, those non tennis pursuits would be yawning at some of the matches being served up but they haven‘t missed a second of Kyrgios and his best mate Thanasi Kokkinakis’ stunning run in the doubles.

They‘re doing it for a bit of fun and bringing everyone along for the ride. There’s even been a potential locker room punch-up in the storyline which is so Kyrgios.

It‘s box office and should be recognised and accepted for what it is, entertainment.

Just like when Barty wins on Saturday night, she will be recognised and accepted for what she is. A champion.

Originally published as Australian Open 2022: How Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios complement each other perfectly