Composed and mature Nick Kyrgios opens up on his metamorphosis

Kyrgios put on a very un-Kyrgios like show in his fourth-round match against American Brandon Nakashima on the Centre Court, trading his usual chatter and histrionics for calm and good behaviour during his fighting 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 victory. Whereas his ill-tempered match against Stefanos Tsitsipas was followed by even more acrimonious press conferences from both the players, Monday again proved to be a pleasant departure from the routine as Kyrgios opened up on his transition (still in the process, some might say) from a combustible youngster — who burst on the scene at the very same venue when he stunned Nadal in the fourth round in 2014 — to a seasoned veteran on the men’s tour. “Look, there was a time where I was having to be forced out of a pub at 4 am to play Nadal second round.

My agent had to come get me out of a pub at 4 am before I played my match on Centre Court Wimbledon (2019). I've come a long way, that's for sure,” said Kyrgios, who was fined — for the second time in the tournament — for audible obscenity during his match against Tsitsipas. The temperamental Aussie has been slapped with fines, suspensions and even asked to undergo counselling sessions for a variety of offences in the past.

But, despite his antics on Saturday and spitting in the direction of a spectator in the first-round clash with wildcard Paul Jubb, Kyrgios has shown in the last week glimpses of his persona that has not been seen before. He has displayed amazing composure both in his second and fourth round matches, an ability to put his head down and focus on the tennis. “Well, I just feel like I've been through so much.