Australian tennis legend Pat Cash believes fellow Aussie star Nick Kyrgios has what it takes to win the Wimbledon title, despite his recent controversies at this year’s event. Kyrgios has seemingly been on the lips of every tennis fan this summer following his antics on and off the court.
The world No. 40 has had a number of fiery run-ins with his opponents, umpires, the media and even the crowd at this year’s Wimbledon, and has found himself in trouble with tournament bosses on more than one occasion. In typical Kyrgios fashion though he has continued to put on a show, and now finds himself in the last eight of the tournament alongside some of the sport’s greats.
The Australian Open doubles champion knows he is now just three wins away from securing a maiden Grand Slam singles title, and the first hurdle in his way is Chile’s Cristian Garín this afternoon’s quarter-final.
Ahead of the clash, 1987 winner Cash believes that in spite of his numerous controversies at this year’s event, the world No. 40 has it in him to become Wimbledon champion. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport he said: “Absolutely he has got it in him [to win Wimbledon].
“Can he do it? That is another story. That is the challenge of a tennis player, you can have all the talent in the world - or any sportsman - he might have all the talent in the world but it is another thing actually doing it.
"That is the big question, it hasn’t been answered yet but we will see, but I think this is a good chance as he is going to have in his career to go all the way.”
Kyrgios' Achilles heel, not just at Wimbledon but throughout his career, has been his hot-headed side. Just this week his rival Stefanos Tsitsipas accused the Aussie star of ‘bullying’ after they played out a feisty encounter in the third round. Whilst Cash has become accustomed to Kyrgios’ antics, he does believe his fellow Australian may have taken it too far at this year’s tournament.
“It is nothing unusual really,” he said. “I think he has probably just gone a bit too far the other day - he goes too far sometimes, but it isn’t unusual for him.”
After bursting onto the scene as a youngster, it can be argued that this bad boy reputation has hampered the success in his career. On the other side of his outbursts and antics is of course an impressive player, and on his day Cash believes the world No. 40 is the ‘most talented’ around.
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He added: “There are still three very tough matches for him to negotiate, but talent wise there isn’t a more talented player and shot maker than Nick Kyrgios.
"He is a very good athlete as well, but you have to have all the elements at the right time, pull them all together, and then we will see if he has the ability to do that.”
Kyrgios will look to live up to the high praise of Cash - who spoke to Mirror Sport after unveiling his new Advanced Hair Studio hair - this afternoon when he takes on Garin in the second game of the day over on court one. If he books a place in the final four, the Australian will play either Rafael Nadal or Taylor Fritz for a place in Friday’s eagerly anticipated final against either world No. 1 Novak Djokovic or British star Cam Norrie.
