Andy Murray spoke on what it’s like to be in the spotlight and how Australian Nick Kyrgios can benefit from guidance and perspective.
Kyrgios is a 21 year old rising star in men’s tennis. He was slapped with fines for his lack of effort and verbal behavior in recent play at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Murray spoke with the media about the fines placed on Kyrgios and how young athletes can better cope with pressure on and off the court.
The recent behavior is not new for the young Australian.
Kyrgios is currently ranked 14th in the world. Murray, the world number 2, is now entering a finals match at the Shanghai Masters. Murray took time to comment on his feelings regarding Kyrgios and what it’s like to be a young standout player in men’s tennis.
I think sometimes players do need protecting as well. Sometimes he goes into press and says things he regrets. In those situations he maybe needs to be guided a little bit better and I’m sure he will learn from that.
Murray also said that he thought the fines are not necessarily the best approach for helping Kyrgios. Being the most successful British men’s tennis player in half a century, Murray has a unique perspective on the situation.
You don’t want to to see young guys who are in the spotlight, struggling and making mistakes, doing things that ultimately hurt them… I struggled with it massively. We don’t always talk about that, we don’t always discuss it when we’re that age… As an athlete, we’re supposed to be mentally strong and if you are seen to be talking about feelings or anything like that, not believing in yourself or backing yourself or struggling to cope with pressure, that’s seen as a negative.
Kyrgios appreciated the comments from the world number 2. He took to Twitter to thank Murray for his comments.
Cheers @andy_murray // someone with a bit of perspective…
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 14, 2016
Murray advanced to the finals in Shanghai, defeating Gilles Simon 6-4 6-3 on Saturday. Check back for updates on Murray’s finals match against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut and other tennis news.
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