Nick Kyrgios isn’t the answer to French Open problem

Aussie firebrand Nick Kyrgios should take a big gamble in 2023 and ignore the call from one tennis legend, writes John Millman.

COMMENT

Here’s a hot take, Nick Kyrgios is good at tennis. Really good.

Whether you love or hate the guy for his rock star, “don’t give a stuff” persona, the one thing we can all agree on is he has been blessed with a skill on the tennis court that has few rivals.

His impossible shot-making complimented with an occasional unpredictable outburst makes him a must-see attraction.

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He’s yin and yang wrapped into one and crowds around the world just can’t get enough of it.

There’s yet to be a tournament I’ve played where the fans aren’t hanging by the rafters when he’s on court.

I’ve often, frustratingly so, been playing on a neighbouring court to Nick when he’s in full flight.

At times I’d be wishing that some of that atmosphere that’s been created on his court would filter its way to mine.

There’s no doubt that the game has missed Kyrgios since his knee injury sustained in October last year.

Nick Kyrgios has been enjoying a few months away from the game alongside his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.

Nick Kyrgios sustained a knee injury ahead of the 2023 Australian Open. Picture: Mark Stewart

We’ve yet to see him on court in 2023 but if his social media is anything to go by, a return to play could be nearing.

Footage of the 28-year-old hitting balls again has been a welcome sight to tennis fans and speculation has been mounting as to when a return to play could be.

I’m sure there are many Tournament Directors that would love that return come at their tournament, none more so than Amelie Mauresmo at the French Open.

Roland Garros needs a great 2023 edition.

The FTT (French Tennis Federation) had to dive deep into their financial reserves to host the Covid 20/21 tournaments and are still scrambling to recoup the losses sustained in those tournaments.

It’s therefore imperative that the tournament this year is a success, but so far not everything has gone to plan.

French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo would love to see Kyrgios at Roland Garros in 2023. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are both struggling with injury. Picture: David Caird

News of Rafael Nadal’s injury setback has had people casts doubts if he’ll be right for another assault at the tournament he has dominated since 2005, with a stunning 14 titles.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic was a notable absentee at the recent Madrid Open, a key lead up to the French Open, after looking less than 100% in his previous outing in Banja Luka.

A box office player making his return to play is exactly what Mauresmo and her team needs. The question is should Nick answer her calls?

Nick proved last year when making the final of Wimbledon that he can win grand slams.

I see no reason why he can’t win Wimbledon, Australian Open or the US Open in the next eight months.

But for me, there are question marks concerning the amount of success he can have on the clay courts of the French Open.

Nick Kyrgios looked a little different the last time he played the French Open in 2017. (AP Photo/David Vincent)

European and South Americans predominantly grow up playing on clay as opposed to the Australians on hard courts.

Essentially Roland Garros gives them ‘home court advantage” having learnt from a young age the nuances of clay.

To add to this the biggest weapon on tour, the Kyrgios serve, is much less devastating on this heavier surface where the serve is more easily neutralised.

Due to the proximity of French Open and Wimbledon in the schedule it’s not uncommon for players to skip the clay and focus their attention earlier to the grass courts.

The allure of the famous grass was too strong for players like Ivan Lendl and Andy Murray who sought extra preparation on their favoured surface at the expense of glory at Roland Garros.

John Millman congratulates Denis Shapovalov following their mens singles first round match during day three of the 2018 French Open. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

I, myself, was quick to accept a phone call in 2018 after exiting Roland Garros, from Roger Federer, who had skipped the clay and was looking for a sparring partner on a private grass court in Switzerland.

Nick will be wanting matches before Wimbledon and Roland Garros could provide him with these, but I can’t help but feel he’s good enough to once again do what he’s done so many times in his career - put all his chips on the table, skip the clay and go all in for the grass.

Mauresmo would love the Kyrgios show in Paris, but if I were Nick I’d be letting her calls go to voicemail.

John Millman is an Aussie tennis veteran, with one ATP Tour title to his name and a victory over Roger Federer in the fourth round of the 2018 US Open.

You can follow him on Twitter here.

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios isn’t the answer to French Open problem