Nick Kyrgios enthused by Australia’s growing depth

Nick Kyrgios says he is motivated by the success he sees his fellow Australian players having.

Nick Kyrgios celebrates victory during in the second round at the US Open against France’s Antoine Hoang. Picture: AFP

Moments before the stupendous gaffe at the US Open likely to see him banned, Nick Kyrgios was waxing lyrical about the massive potential within Australia’s ranks.

The exchange was typical of Kyrgios, who yesterday joined younger compatriots Alexei ­Popyrin and Alex De Minaur in the third round at New York.

Extremely generous one ­moment, a foot inserted firmly into his mouth while needing a swift kick up the backside the next. Kyrgios refused to comment on the controversy after a 6-4 6-2 6-4 win over Frenchman Antoine Hoang.

The flashiness and flair of the combustible Australian, who will try to reach the last 16 at the US Open for the first time when he faces Andrey Rublev tomorrow, camouflages an overlooked strength of his on the court.

At his best, Kyrgios is a smart tactician who plays largely within the margins of error.

The bluster and blasting, as Sydneysider Jordan Thompson noted in an interview last week, is often deliberate.

Despite his disdain for the sport, Kyrgios possesses the tennis intellect to break down with accuracy the strengths and weaknesses of his rivals.

The talent of compatriots including De Minaur and Popyrin excites him, with the 24-year-old Canberran claiming he was motivated by their emergence.

“When I see these results, it makes me want to push harder,” Kyrgios said. “It makes me excited that Australia, right now, the depth is pretty scary. I am not surprised when those guys win matches. They are capable of doing some big things.”

Ash Barty is clearly the trailblazer of tennis in Australia but it might not be long before her male compatriots are pushing deep into grand slams as well.

Popyrin will play Italian Matteo Berrettini, who edged Thompson 7-5 7-6 (2) 4-6 6-1, tomorrow. De Minaur was due to tackle Japanese star Kei Nishikori overnight.

Alex De Minaur in action against Chile’s Cristian Garin at the US Open. Picture: AFP

They are far from being another golden generation but the potential is certainly there for team success at the very least.

The options available for selection in the Davis Cup finals to be played in Madrid in November, and then the new ATP Cup to be held across Australia in January, are numerous.

Kyrgios almost certainly will not be in Spain after being exiled from the Davis Cup team by Lleyton Hewitt due to his poor ­attitude.

Depending on the sanction applied for his latest controversies — and how far De Minaur and he progress in New York — the Australian No 1 will have the choice of national captaincy for the ATP Cup in January.

The recent Washington DC champion yesterday ruled out nominating himself as skipper but would not elaborate on who he is considering for the role, though the decision is on his radar.

De Minaur and Popyrin are ­exciting, emerging talents who are just 20.

Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was forced to withdraw from a clash against Rafael Nadal due to a recurrence of a pectoral injury, will also be an option if he can find fitness. But sadly for the South Australian, fitness remains elusive.

Thompson and John Millman are hardened professionals, while Australia has a grand slam-winning doubles star in John Peers.

Alexei Popyrin stretches for a shot against Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan. Picture: Getty Images

Kyrgios’s assessment about the depth is accurate. And while his commitment is questionable, the others are all in.

Both De Minaur and Thompson arrived for their press conferences on Thursday in New York proudly wearing the Australian Davis Cup cap.

“We all love our Davis Cup team,” Thompson said. “The group that we have got is great and hopefully we can keep pushing forward, keep pushing each other. We all love the team and we all want to represent Australia.

“The depth is great. You have got Nick, Alex, Alexei who are all pushing forward. The sky is the limit.”

Popyrin, who defeated Mikhail Kukushkin 2-6 7-5 6-3 6-2, is the least experienced of the crop but the ability he is showing at grand slam level is substantial. He has won a round at all four majors this year in an impressive first season.

The rangy right-hander said he was thrilled to be part of a competitive squad of players who are intent on pushing each other to improve.

“I think it helps everybody work harder, trying to get on top of another player, just pushing each other to work harder,” he said.

The reception De Minaur, who was too good for No 31 seed Cristian Garin 6-3 7-5 6-3, received at Flushing Meadows is reminiscent of how he is appreciated in Australia.

“New Yorkers, they just love someone who is going to leave it all out there,” he said. “If you can get them on your side, it is almost like playing at home.”

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