MELBOURNE—Ever wonder what a composed, dialed-in Nick Kyrgios looks like? The world now officially knows after his 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday night.
Kyrgios is one of the most-talked about players on the tour, at least among fans and media. Players though—the people who know him best—have little issue with the 17th-ranked Australian. (This week Ryan Harrison made a point to tell reporters he’s friends with Kyrgios and the rumored beef between them is untrue.)
"It doesn't worry me at all," Kyrgios said about his public perception. "It's not something I wake up and I'm like, Look, today I'm going to try to change the perception. I've always played the same way. Nothing has changed. I've always been emotional. I showed emotion out there tonight. Yeah, I feel like I've always been a caring person. I guess it's just how you guys perceive it."
The Australian was certainly endearing after his win inside a pumped-up Rod Laver Arena.
“I had never won a match on this court coming here,” Kyrgios said. “Playing Jo, I was obviously very nervous. He was a guy I looked up to as kid. I still do. He’s great guy, a great champion.”
Walking through the Melbourne Beach Club (essentially a music festival within the grounds with a glimpse of tennis on big screen TVs), you hear mixed opinions of the country's most talented player. Some vehemently cheer against Kyrgios because they think he’s a brat that’s giving their nation a bad reputation. Others are supportive and find his theatrical style entertaining. Arguments, no doubt fueled by the flowing Coopers Pale Ale and Aperol Spritz, break out over whether or not he deserves to win.
No such cloud of heated debate follows Tsonga around. The 32-year-old is loved and respected pretty much everywhere, particularly at the Australian Open, where he was a finalist 10 years ago. He’s famous for his fighting spirit (as proven in his comeback win over Denis Shapovalov in the second round) and his victory dances.
“He made the final in 2008. I think I was 12,” Kyrgios said. “I went to all his practice sessions with a new ball. He signed it every day. I don't know if he remembers. I didn't miss one of his practice sessions.”
“[I’m] grateful,” Tsonga said. “It means that I touch some guys when they were young, and they want to become player like me. I inspire some of them.”