Teen American star Coco Gauff delivered a massive rap for Nick Kyrgios after advancing to the round of 16 at the US Open, revealing her friendly experiences with the Australian and challenging his reputation as a “bad guy”.
Gauff had glowing words for the former world No.13 after defeating compatriot Madison Keys 6-2, 6-3 in the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The tournament’s 12th seed cast her memory back to a couple of occasions in her early teens when Kyrgios stuck around after training to help her with her game.
“I know there’s things on the court that he does that people don’t agree with. I probably don’t agree with some things,” Gauff said.
“But it’s just things like (hitting with a young kid) that stands out for me.
“That’s why I feel like I can never dislike him … because constantly when I see him around, he’s always saying hello.
“It’s just moments like that that people don’t really see about him. So I think people paint him as a bad guy. I feel around the grounds, at least my experience of him, he’s not.”
Gauff and Kyrgios are now set to share Arthur Ashe Stadium in the fourth round, with the 18-year-old awaiting a clash with China’s Zhang Shuai and the 27-year-old zeroing in on a match against top seed Daniil Medvedev.
Kyrgios overcame American J.J. Wolf 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in the third round.
“I think in the end it helped me in the long run as a player hitting with him,” Gauff added.
“He told me good things about my game. At that time I’m like, ‘Nick Kyrgios thinks I’m a good player’. You start to believe that and gain confidence in that.”
History is on Kyrgios’ side on the cusp of his match against Medvedev, with the head-to-head record 3-1 in the Canberran’s favour.
“If he keeps it up, I think he can go far. He can win the tournament,” Gauf said.
“We all know he has the ability to.
“He was close at Wimbledon.
“I always, always root for him, no matter who he’s playing, to be honest.”
