Nick Kyrgios: will he end his 2017 tour on a high note?
By Harry Floyd
Nick Kyrgios has opened play in Montreal with two dominant performances. Can the young Australian tennis star keep up this newfound rhythm?
Nick Kyrgios came away with a nearly flawless victory in his opening round match this week. He defeated Viktor Troicki in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-2.
Then, the young Australian also took down Italian tennis veteran Paolo Lorenzi. In what was his round of 32 match at this year’s Coupe Rogers, Kyrgios defeated Lorenzi 6-2, 6-3. After what has been largely viewed as an aimless season, the Australian may have discovered some much needed end of year momentum.
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Kyrgios saw early exits in each of his previous three tournaments. In every single one of those tournaments, the young Australian tennis star retired from action. He has experienced lingering injuries this year to go along with a questionable passion for the sport.
Now though, it seems that Nick Kyrgios still may have what it takes to be a top player on the ATP World Tour. One tournament, however, is not enough to call it a complete turnaround. If he can continue winning in Montreal, it will be a positive sign for the young tennis star. He will need all the momentum he can get going into the final months of 2017.
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Nick Kyrgios faces Alexander Zverev next at this year’s Rogers Cup.
The two square off on Thursday in Montreal. Zverev is having a fantastic 2017 ATP World Tour. The 20-year-old rising NextGenATP star already has four singles titles on the year. He has earned himself the current world No. 8 ranking in men’s singles.
In Montreal this week, Zverev is the fourth seed in men’s singles. He defeated French veteran tennis star Richard Gasquet in his opening round match, winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3). Kyrgios has a big test on Friday against the young German. A win would without a doubt be considered a much needed upset.
Currently, Nick Kyrgios is the world No. 24 in men’s singles tennis. He is 19-10 in singles matches on the year. Lingering hip and shoulder injuries have stifled his game since near the start of the season. While he is still just 22-years-old, Kyrgios is losing ground to the likes of Zverev and others such as rising star Dominic Thiem. He represents the next generation of men’s singles tennis and if he is not careful, he will be left behind. Continued strong play at the Rogers Cup will help him in the coming weeks. It can also show that he is healthy enough to remain competitive in the final months of the 2017 ATP World Tour.
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