Australian Open: Mark Philippoussis commends Nick Kyrgios on impressive run in Melbourne

Melbourne was just the first step in making Nick Kyrgios a genuine grand slam contender, according to Mark Philippoussis. The next requires ‘making tennis your absolute priority.’

Australia's Nick Kyrgios reacts after a point against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2020. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

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Mark Philippoussis believes Nick Kyrgios can win multiple majors, but wants to see more from the mercurial Aussie when it matters.

The two-time grand slam finalist has been impressed by Kyrgios’ improved fortunes on and off the court this summer, declaring him a “good kid”.

But Philippoussis said Kyrgios needed to start regularly taking more scalps in order to snatch his maiden slam.

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Mark Philippoussis says Nick Kyrgios can win a grand slam.

The 24-year-old was in his fourth-round contest with world No.1 Rafael Nadal on Monday night, but the Spaniard proved too strong, winning 6-3 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-4).

Kyrgios hasn’t made a quarter-final at a major in five years, with just four fourth-round appearances since his final-eight showing at the 2015 Australian Open.

Philippoussis agreed with seven-time grand slam winner Mats Wilander’s sentiments that Kyrgios could win multiple majors, but he needed to move further through tournaments first.

“He has the ability to win multiple slams, but in order for that to happen, you’ve got to make tennis your absolute priority,” Philippoussis said.

“A lot goes into a grand slam ... it’s a lot of tennis.

“You need to be prepared, a little bit lucky, there’s a lot of things that have to come into play in order to win one.

“But let’s first start off with getting deep in the second week, start off putting yourself to win that first one is very important.”

Mark Philippoussis finished as runner up to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2003.

Philippoussis’ career wound down around 2006, having never won a major, losing finals at the US Open in 1998 and Wimbledon in 2003.

The former world No.8 says tennis may not be the most important thing in Kyrgios’ life and that family could be his priority.

“I can’t speak for anyone else, but Nick’s a good kid, he’s a good guy,” he said.

“At some stage tennis is going to be finished and then it’s going to be about life. That’s what it’s important.

“This is one stage of his life so it’s about whatever makes him happy.”

Originally published as Australian Open: Mark Philippoussis commends Nick Kyrgios on impressive run in Melbourne