Australian Open Tennis: Nick Kyrgios’ on-court antics ‘good for the game’ — Thanasi Kokkinakis

TENNIS young gun Thanasi Kokkinakis says the on-court antics of Nick Kyrgios are “good for the game’’ as is news players will share a record $44 million in Australian Open cash.

Tennis Australia announce initiatives for Australian Open 2016 at Birrarung Marr. Thanasi Kokkinakis gets a high five from 101 ballkids through Birrarung Marr. Picture: Alex Coppel.

TENNIS young gun Thanasi Kokkinakis has labelled the on-court antics of Nick Kyrgios “good for the game’’ and welcomed news players will be served up a record $44 million at the Australian Open.

With global stars to be given a 10 per cent pay rise to compete at Melbourne’s Grand Slam next year, organisers have planned a push into the lucrative Asian market in a bid to better advertise Victoria.

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Launching next January’s Open in Melbourne, Kokkinakis said Kyrgios was good for the game despite drawing widespread criticism for foul-mouthed sledging and abuse of umpires.

“He’s not just going to change completely and he’s not going to just not get frustrated so I think he’s trying to tone it down a little bit,’’ he said.

“The fans love watching him play, if he yells or break racquets, whatever — the fans love watching it.

“So I think he’s good for the game to be honest.’’

At the Australian Open launch, Thanasi Kokkinakis high fives the ball kids in Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Nick Kyrgios is not happy... https://t.co/2eG5foCqUJ

— LetsTalkTennis (@letstalktennis1) October 9, 2015

Kokkinakis said tennis was an “entertainment sport’’ and Kyrgios’ behaviour was “all part of it.’’

“I don’t think people mind that stuff to be honest even though it makes headlines,’’ he said.

“It actually makes it fun for the fans to watch and they’re always interested so I don’t think it hurts the game that much.’’

But Australian Open director Craig Tiley did not condone Kyrgios’ behaviour.

“Do we support Nick’s behaviour — no,’’ he said.

“Do we put ourselves in a position where we try and help him through it- yes.’’

Tennis Australia President Steve Healy said the decision to increase the player payment pool from $40 million to $44 million almost doubled what was offered in 2009.

He said the first Australian Open Festival at Birrarung Marr, revealed in yesterday’s Herald Sun, would engage fans in a unique way by the Yarra River.

“It will feature the very best of Melbourne with the restaurants, bars, cafes and tennis on screen,’’ he said.

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Thanasi Kokkinakis says Nick Kyrgios’s bad boy antics are good for the game. Picture: Reuters

Originally published as Australian Open Tennis: Nick Kyrgios’ on-court antics ‘good for the game’ — Thanasi Kokkinakis