Tennis star Nick Kyrgios might play in Malaysian Open

Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios, who stunned viewers when he defeated tennis superstar Rafael Nadal at the 2014 Wimbledon, might be playing in the Malaysian Open tennis championship at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 20-28. 

Organisers have expressed interest in getting the 19-year-old to participate in their ATP tournament. Kyrgios's mother, Norlaila, was born in Malaysia and his father is Greek-Australian. 

Nick Freyer, the tournament director, believes that having the break-out star will add to the significance of the US$1mil (S$1.25) indoor championship. 

“It is wonderful to see an exciting young player such as Kyrgios break through at a major tournament like Wimbledon,” said Freyer. 

“There is going to be a big jump in his ranking next week and he should be able to qualify as a direct entry at most ATP 250 events for the rest of the year. We hope to see Kyrgios play here in September,” he added. 

Kyrgios showed why he was ranked number one in the junior sector when he played with such finesse and beat 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in  a four set match in the fourth round. 

Despite subsequently losing to eighth seed Canadian Milos Raonic at 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), the future seems bright for the young star who may very well take over the top players in years to come.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts to winning the third set tie-break during his men's singles tennis match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London July 1, 2014. Photo: Reuters

Australia's Nick Kyrgios returns to Canada's Milos Raonic during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 2, 2014. Photo: AFP

Source: The Star, Metro Online Broadcast, AFP, Reuters