Nick Kyrgios is an entertainer, maybe more so than a tennis player.
A large portion of the Australian public is continuously frustrated by Kyrgios’ behaviour and at times lack of determination, but Kyrgios is a unique athlete with a mind of his own.
The troublesome Aussie has come under fire yet again, this time for simulating a sex act with his water bottle during his loss to Marin Cilic on Saturday.
Kyrgios was fined $23,500 for his actions during a change of ends at the Queen's Club Championship.
While Kyrgios has an unquestionable ability on the court, with stunning stroke play and a fierce serve, tennis commentator Brett Phillips is tired of the 23-year-old’s antics.
“There are always those who are going to defend Nick Kyrgios,” Phillips told SEN Afternoons.
“I find it really hard.”
After Kyrgios pulled out plenty of tricks during his win over Andy Murray last week, Phillips said he was left confused post-game.
“I struggled with the whole match because it was tennis player slash entertainer,” he said.
“So what do you want to be?
“For me, there’s the continuing struggle to warm to Nick Kyrgios and I’m sure I’m not alone.”
Phillips believes Kyrgios needs to focus on improving his tennis and embracing his talent, as opposed to joking around on and off the court.
“He’s actually put two decent weeks together,” Phillips said.
“He’s played some unbelievable tennis.
“He does things on a tennis court that no one else can do.
“But at the same time he just wants to entertain and I struggle with that.
“I just struggle supporting a guy who may not ever get to where he wants to get.”
But it appears the external expectation of Kyrgios may be worlds apart from what the man himself has set out to achieve.
Kyrgios may be content with his success to date.
He’s earning a living through the sport, and it is possible Grand Slam titles aren’t Kyrgios’ number one driving factor – and that’s his choice.