Fans will be able to see the best version of Nick Kyrgios when he plays at the John Cain Arena at the Australian Open, according to Mats Wilander.
It is likely that the home favorite made a request to play on his favorite court for the third round tie with third seed Dominic Thiem, as it is arguably the fifth day’s match.
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A noisy atmosphere within Melbourne Park’s second largest concert hall has encouraged him to win over Ugo Humbert, and Wilander admits that it tends to create a better environment for Australian players.
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“I’m not sure what this year is like, but in the past, if you had a solo pass, you could go in and watch the games on that court,” said seven-times Grand Slam champion and Eurosport commentator.
At Rod Laver, there were a lot of corporate sponsors and there wasn’t a lot of ‘Australian vibe’ there, it was more international.
“I know that Nick likes to play for children and for people who buy a solo pass.
I assume that now he has built such a good feeling with that court and the same fans keep coming back, because they know they are going to get the best Nick Kyrgios that we have seen at the John Cain Arena.
“It must be a great match, the match of the day for sure.”
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Kyrgios won nine of his 11 singles matches at the newly named John Cain Arena, but Wilander says he is lucky that his likely request could be granted – as he will not have his own way against the top two.
“He is lucky to play against Dominic Thiem because if he played with Rafa (Nadal) or Novak (Djokovic), he would not play with John Cain – I don’t think they ever played there,” said Wilander.
Having needed five sets to beat Humbert, Wilander believes that the fierce Australian will find his job difficult against the Austrian, who is one of the favorites to win the tournament.
“Tough game, I hope that physically Nick Kyrgios can come back, obviously Dominic Thiem knows that,” he said.
“Dominic Thiem is in shape and is serving well. I have a hard time thinking that Nick Kyrgios can win this game if it lasts a long time. “
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