Nick Kyrgios has won the hearts and minds of Australians with his gutsy performances at Wimbledon, none more so than his amazing victory over World no. 1 Rafael Nadal.

Kyrgios is the next potential heir to the Australian tennis throne and has the integral hallmarks of becoming a superbrand over time.

NICK KYRGIOS SPEARHEADS NEW GENERATION OF AUSTRALIAN TENNIS TALENT

Aaron Langmaid, Jessica Marszalek, Herald Sun, 2 July 2014

Nick Kyrgios celebrates his win over Rafael Nadal.

Nick Kyrgios celebrates his win over Rafael Nadal.

WIMBLEDON wonder kid Nick Kyrgios has been heralded as the future of Australian tennis.

Critics say the 19-year-old, who sauntered onto the world stage this week wearing headphones and listening to R & B, will spearhead a group of emerging talent set to deliver another green and gold era for the game.

His parents and siblings joined a chorus of support today for the Canberra kid who is on track to become one of the biggest names in Australian sport.

But sister Hali was among family members who said he’ll always be the knockabout teen who loves shooting hoops and playing computer games.

“When he comes home his friends come over and they just play on the Xbox all day,” sister Hali said. “I come in and out of the house and he’ll still be there.’’

Kyrgios tops a long list of up and comers that now include James Duckworth, his Australian Open junior doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson, Alex Bolt, Luke Saville, Ash Barty and Storm Sanders.

Nick Kyrgios’s mum Norlaila with a photo of her son as a newborn. Picture: Gary Ramage

Nick Kyrgios’s mum Norlaila with a photo of her son as a newborn.

“He’s the next great player on the block and it’s great for us,” Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley said.

“His game has always been big but now he has been able to put all the pieces together and is having some great success.

“He hasn’t taken any short cuts.

“As a player he is as good as any.’’

Channel 7 Wimbledon host Todd Woodbridge said Kyrgios’s arrival was a sign of big things to come.

“He has made the all-important breakthrough, cracking the top 100 and announcing his arrival on the global tennis stage,” he said.

“It’s great news for Aussie tennis to have another player to take the pressure off Tomic.’’

An overnight sensation in the eyes of fans — Kyrgios’ rise to fame and fortune has been a long slow road for his family who have been by his side as he worked on his monster serve on crooked courts at competitions across the nation.

“He believes in himself and his strengths and his capabilities and it’s just great to watch,” his mum Norlaila said.

“He loves the stage, he loves that atmosphere, the grand entrance.

“I’m just so happy for him because it’s all gelling.”

Critics have also credited the 19-year-old for his easygoing attitude — something often lost in a sport tarnished by some players and their problems.

“He is respectful and grounded and has maturity beyond his years and isn’t plagued by the kind of problems some players have brought along with them in the past,” Image Group International’s Jon-Michail said.

“He’s a great example of multicultural Australia.’’

Kyrgios’ success has reverberated online — his name was mentioned 205,000 on Twitter in recent days. Actor Hugh Jackman was among his 35,000 new followers since the start of his Wimbledon campaign.

“Aussie Aussie Aussie @NickKyrgios,” Jackman posted. “Such composure and class!’’

aaron.langmaid@news.com.au

© 2014 Herald Sun | This article first appeared on the Herald Sun on 3 July 2014.

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