‘You think Roger goes for something outrageous so it’ll get on social media and make you feel terrible’: Nick Kyrgios on just how good Federer is in commentary on win over Taylor Fritz
Nick Kyrgios may have crashed out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle – but the 23-year-old is still making waves in Melbourne.
The controversial 23-year-old was dumped out of his home Grand Slam by Milos Raonic, who beat him in straight sets on Tuesday.
On Friday, the Australian swapped the court for the commentary box for Roger Federer’s third-round victory over Taylor Fritz.
Nick Kyrgios shone as he swapped the court for the commentary box at the Australian Open
The 23-year-old was on the mic for Roger Federer’s third-round victory over Taylor Fritz
Kyrgios joined Jim Courier and Todd Woodbridge for host broadcaster Channel 9 and offered some fascinating insight on facing Federer.
‘He puts the pressure right back on you. He shrinks the court so you feel like you can’t play,’ he said of the 20-time major winner.
‘It’s almost like you think Roger is going for something outrageous so it’ll get on social media and make you feel terrible,’ Kyrgios added.
‘It happened to me at the US Open.’
Federer cruised to a straight sets victory on Friday to reach the fourth round in Melbourne
‘I’m happy to see he is commentating. He is very passionate about the sport,’ Federer said
Kyrgios has often frustrated his supporters, with his conduct on and off the court attracting no little criticism.
But he was lauded for his commentary debut, with one fan claiming he was doing a ‘great job’ and offering ‘great insight’. Another, meanwhile, said they ‘hope we can hear you on commentary again soon.’
Federer, too, was full of praise for Kyrgios after the match. When he was told the Australian was commentating, he told Courier on court: ‘Nick’s a really sweet guy.
‘I love the guy. I’m happy to see he is commentating. He is very passionate about the sport.’