Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios wants to become a better man

Nick Kyrgios has made a strong start to the year as a sportsman, but he has even more in mind: Kyrgios also wants to improve himself in human terms.

The Australian has so far won the tournament in Brisbane with a triumph over Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals, a smooth first round in Melbourne at 6-1,6-2,6-4 over Rogerio Dutra Silva. Even off the course, Kyrgios seems to be doing something about himself, even if these impressions have flared up again and again in the past, but were then destroyed by new dropouts.

Kyrgios blames his popularity with the kids on his often accused attitude, but he wants to use it to become a better role model,”I think the kids like my attitude towards ESPN. com,”he told ESPN. com,”I would like to be a better role model in my behaviour. But I think it will come in time.”

You can’t ask a 19- or 20-year-old to be a perfect role model – at an age when you learn so many more about the game and yourself, Kyrgios says,”I know I’m doing things that some people think are the worst on earth. But at the same time, I feel good about being a role model.”

Andy Murray in particular, however, is something like an advocate for the Australian, and Kyrgios appreciates that,”He knows that there is still a lot to learn for me to become a really great player in this sport. But it was great that he helped me so much.”

Especially in Brisbane, the 22-year-old betrayed that he also wanted to play well,”I hope they understand that I am down on some days and I am able to fight and play on other days,”he said. On Wednesday, in the second round match at the Australian Open against Viktor Troicki, the 17th seed Kyrgios wants to continue his good intentions.