Nick Kyrgios Put in the Same Box as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal After Entertaining Run at Australian Open 2022

Nick Kyrgios is a complete entertainer. The 26-year-old is having a dream run at the Australian Open 2022, albeit in men’s doubles. He has partnered with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis to reach the quarterfinals of the opening Grand Slam of the season.

However, in the men’s singles category, he failed to proceed beyond round 2. The crowd favorite lost to World Number 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia in a thrilling encounter. His antics on the court have largely entertained the masses. As a result, Mats Wilander, the former World Number 1 Swedish player, has compared Kyrgios to some of the legends of tennis.

What did Mats Wilander say about Nick Kyrgios?

The 7-time Grand Slam champion was all praise for the Australian. He felt that Kyrgios is fast becoming one of tennis’ great entertainers like Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Further, the 57-year-old added, “It (Kyrgios’s success) is fantastic for the tournament. Nick Kyrgios – I have to say – when he’s on the big stage we have expectations of him. And he fulfills them whether he wins or loses. He delivers just like all entertainers do. He’s so good for the game, he really is.”

Johanna Konta, the former British No. 1, supported Wilander’s comments for the Australian. She added, “He loves playing at home and you can see the dynamic between the two (Kyrgios and Kokkinakis). How fun is it as a tennis fan, as an Australian tennis fan, to come out to Melbourne and see these two guys?”

The ‘Wild Thing’ at the Australian Open 2022

Nick Kyrgios didn’t have an ideal start to the 2022 season. He had tested positive for Covid-19 before the Grand Slam Down Under. As a result, he had to pull out of the Sydney Tennis Classic tournament. Moreover, he reached Melbourne just a day before the commencement of the Australian Open.

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However, the Australian decided to play at his home Grand Slam. He had a straightforward opening-round victory in men’s singles. The 26-year-old defeated Liam Broady in straight sets in the first round. Then, he went down fighting to World Number 2 and tournament favorite Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the second round. But even that loss came as a huge piece of entertainment for Nick’s loyal fans.

Playing the men’s doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, the pair managed to shock the No. 1 seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the second round. They have entered the quarters and will face sixth seeds Tim Puetz and Michael Venus next.

WATCH THIS STORY: Nick Kyrgios Puts Up a Crazy Show at Australian Open 2022

Can the Australian pairing be a surprise package in men’s doubles this year? Do let us know your views in the comments below.