Seven times Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander believes Nick Kyrgios' recent on-court meltdowns prove the Australian world number 29 really does care about his tennis, but doesn't want a repeat of Cincinnati's outburst at the US Open next week.
Meanwhile, former world number five, Daniela Huntachova and one-time US Open finalist Greg Rusedski have urged Kyrgios to seek professional help.
The comments come after Kyrgios was hit with a whopping (AU)$166,700 fine for his spectacular meltdown at the Cincinnati Masters last week.
Kyrgios smashed two racquets while engaging in a running battle with chair umpire Fergus Murphy during his defeat to Karen Kachanov.
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After losing, Kyrgios called Murphy a "f***ing tool" and spat in his direction.
There were also widespread calls for Kyrgios to face a suspension, but he will be free to play the US Open.
The Australian has been widely condemned for yet another poor show of sportsmanship, but Wilander believes it's a sign of just how much winning means to him.
“I think that every week that passes is showing more and more interest in wanting to win tennis matches and wanting to improve everything around him," said Wilander, who won three Australian Opens, three French Opens and one US Open title.
“I think when he did what he did in Cincinnati - of course it looks bad and, of course, there are children in the stands and the language is bad - but at least the way he is now in the last weeks, he is showing that he cares.
“Nick wants to win, he hates losing and he wants to play well, he wants to entertain and he simply hasn’t been able to deal with it in a professional way.”
Meanwhile, former star turned commentator Huntachova said Kyrgios needs to talk to a professional.
"He actually needs serious help," she said on Amazon Prime.
"Not only on the tennis stuff but I think on his life in general because that’s the reason he’s behaving how he is on the tennis court.
"I think he has so many issues going on outside the court."
On the same broadcast, Rusedski said speaking to a sports psychologist has helped Kyrgios in the past.
"Last time he got pushed out of the game and had to take time away from it," Rusedksi said.
"You look and did that really work? He hired a sports psychologist, did it make a difference in his behaviour?
"I think he needs a regular therapist to deal with other issues so he can behave himself on the court.
"And he has to believe in these things because he is such a talented player. But his performance on the court was unacceptable."
