Nick Kyrgios seeing a psychologist could be turning point in career, writes Leo Schlink

IF acknowledgment is the first step towards problem solution, Nick Kyrgios is taking control of his destiny. And LEO SCHLINK writes the prodigiously-talented Aussie might now realise his incredible potential.

Nick Kyrgios has enormous talent. Pic: Getty Images/AFP

IF acknowledgment is the first step towards problem solution, Nick Kyrgios is finally taking control of his destiny.

For too long Kyrgios’ immense talent has been undermined by a perceived mental fragility.

The only person capable of addressing the disparity between his colossal skill and attitudinal weakness is Kyrgios himself.

Earlier this week, Kyrgios revealed he was seeing psychologists and “trying to get on top of my mental health”.

FIRST MOVE: KYRGIOS SEEING PSYCHOLOGISTS

Innately stubborn, Kyrgios has seldom consented to change — or suggestion — without first resisting it.

Mental health is a serious issue, and more important than anything that might take place on a tennis court.

Nick Kyrgios is “trying to get on top” of his mental health. Pic: AFP

But that he has taken the step to work with psychologists is potentially massive for his career.

A healthy, happy Kyrgios may also mean a new Nick once he returns to the ATP circuit.

He now gives himself the chance to bury underachiever slurs and do justice to his extraordinary gifts.

Since exploding onto the grand slam scene with a quarter-final run at Wimbledon in 2014, Kyrgios has got to the same stage only once more.

Failure to do so more often has never been about talent.

Too often, he has checked out mentally. The habit has cost him more than what is obvious.

In the locker room, respect is a hard won currency. Kyrgios is widely liked by his peers.

When on, his ballistic weaponry intimidates all but the most formidable opponent.

The problem for Nick is that his rivals know there are times and circumstance — far too often — where he opts out.

Nick Kyrgios is no longer Australia’s top-ranked men’s player. Pic: AFP

At his most fragile, he has a penchant to simply gift away matches.

Hardened warriors — past and present — gnash teeth at the sight. Pat Cash, who himself battled mental health and motivational issues during his career, has lauded the effect seeking that professional help did throughout his time at the top.

There is nothing physically beyond Kyrgios. He is still a grand slam champion in waiting.

Now, as he addresses a key pillar of any top athlete’s make up, he has a legitimate shot at a major.

No one should expect an overnight transformation.

But the process is underway.

He deserves much credit for publicly revealing his battle — perhaps signalling a willingness to get better not just off the court.

And he needs to look no further than Andy Murray and Cash to understand the power of an uncluttered mind in the heat of battle.