Hewitt tips Kyrgios to go far at Australian Open

Aussie tennis great Lleyton Hewitt believes countryman Nick Kyrgios can go a long way at this year’s Australian Open, saying his year-long break from the game will prove to be a catalyst for success.

Kyrgios, 25, last played in February at the Acapulco Open. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic ended his season as he chose not to travel for the US or French Opens.

Hewitt has been watching Kyrgios training and said he looked sharp.

“Nick, I think as a whole him having a bit of a breakaway from the sport where he’s positioned, for his body and mind I think is a good thing,” Hewitt said.

“Because he hasn’t played a match for so long, though, it’s not going to be easy for him just to come out and switch it on either.

“I think it’s perfect for him to hopefully get through a few rounds in one of the ATP tournaments that he’s playing this week.

“But from a whole, he looks to be hitting the ball well, clean, he relies on his serve and is serving big at the moment. He’s hitting the ball well enough to push deep in the Australian Open for sure.”