Nick Kyrgios hoping to set positive example following electrifying run to Mexican Open title

James Pavey

•
Nick Kyrgios hoping to set positive example following electrifying run to Mexican Open title image

"If you beat four players like that in a tournament, you deserve to win it. He's the real champion of this week," Alexander Zverev said.

"Everybody needs to give credit to the people that deserve it, and this week he proved to be the best player."

Zverev was speaking of Nick Kyrgios, a player who had done him in straight sets in their Abierto Mexicano Telcel final, a player that won his first title in 14 months.

A player that defied nearly everything to make the final. Injuries. Cramps. Food poisoning. A jeering, distracting crowd. Criticism over a perfectly legal tactic that encouraged Roger Federer to weigh in. Hell, Kyrgios even had to sit through an early-hours drug test.

KYRGIOS ON TOP: Kyrgios grabs silverware with straight sets victory over Zverev

The Australian copped the lot and took down five big names, including two top three players, in an inspired run.

Kyrgios kicked off his campaign with a straight sets win, 6-3 7-5, over Italian veteran Andreas Seppi. That set him up for a sixth career clash against 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. There, he battled to complete one of his most memorable wins - saving three match points - before the Spanish star criticised him for 'lacking respect'.

The Aussie didn't play into the spite, and reeled off three-set wins over Stan Wawrinka and John Isner to earn a ticket into an ATP final for the first time since his Brisbane triumph in January 2018.

On Sunday (AEST), Zverev had no answers as Kyrgios finished up with with 26 winners to 19 unforced errors. Kyrgios's serve was potent throughout as he sent down 13 aces, and won 77 per cent of his first-serve points.


The German was stuck behind the baseline trying to keep himself in rallies as Kyrgios's power came to the fore, which also gave him a licence to use his brilliant drop shots.

At times in the second set, Kyrgios looked vulnerable as Zverev clawed back momentum, but the 23-year-old's dominance could well be summed up by his championship point, which he won with brutal power and precision.

Having improved his head-to-head record over Zverev to 4-3, and also claiming silverware, Kyrgios reflected on a job well done.

"It's an amazing feeling. I didn’t expect much at all today. I knew I was the underdog going in and that he’s playing great tennis," Kyrgios said.

"[Zverev] doesn’t have many weaknesses, so I knew I had to play my style of tennis. I’m really happy with the performance."


After slumping to No. 72 - his lowest ranking in five years - by the time he arrived in Mexico, Kyrgios is now projected to move back into the top 40 when the rankings are updated on Monday.

 

He arrived in Acapulco meandering on a 2-3 record this year, and with a tough draw staring him in the eyes, many expected Kyrgios to fall by the wayside.

However, as he repeatedly managed to get out of trouble against Nadal, the positive signs were there. When he completed the win and collapsed the the ground in celebration, it was clear he had turned up to play.

The best players always find a way - and that's what Kyrgios did in Acapulco, time and time again.

"It's hopefully an example for people who are struggling and getting in some places you don’t think you can get out of. If I can do it, you can do it," he said. 

"I was really down and out, and didn't know what I was going to do, but you have a week like this and things can change."


 

 

James Pavey

James Pavey Photo