Aussie Tennis great Todd Woodbridge believes Nick Kyrgios can win the Australian Open, although questions remain over his match fitness and headspace.
Woodbridge said Kyrgios’ compromised preparation could see him underdone come the start of the tournament next month.
Kyrgios bailed from the inaugural United Cup on Wednesday – less than 24 hours before it was due to begin.
It meant Alex de Minaur was bumped up into the top rank position, which saw him downed 6-3, 6-3 by Cameron Norrie in the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney last night.
Woodbridge said Kyrgios’ run to the Wimbledon final was started by a strong series of lead up events – something he won’t be able to replicate in Australia.
“When he played great at Wimbledon, the lead-in and the talk was really positive and it was done the right way,” he said on TODAY.
“What’s happened here, I’m a little bit nervous, because he’s gone to the Middle East, travelled the world, he doesn’t like travel – was it the perfect preparation to play well at the Australian Open? That’s the question he has to answer.
“It is important to play good matches like he did before Wimbledon – he hasn’t done that in Australia. He will struggle a little bit.
“He has openly talked about dealing with pressure playing at home and expectations of what (last) year was, how good it was.
“I’m hoping he can throw that off, talk positively about doing well at the Australian Open, winning the Australian Open because he could do that. That is now on the table.
“We’d love him to win the Australian Open. He is such a fan favourite at Melbourne Park even when he plays the doubles.”
Woodbridge said Kyrgious spent several hours practicing on Thursday, and believes Kygrios will be fit come January 16, but his biggest challenge could come from within.
“I think it is about trying to be as clean and fresh in the head when he gets to Melbourne,” he said.
“It is not about whether he is going to strike the ball well, it is more about keeping the head on the shoulders without finishing off.”
