Big difference between Hewitt and Kyrios. Hewitt never gave up on a point, let alone tanked games or sets. And no one ever questioned how he trained and prepared for the tennis year and for tournaments and matches. No one ever questioned whether he wanted to get the best out of himself in his tennis career. Hewitt and Kyrios are in fact on opposite ends of the determination and dedication scale.
One of the biggest sins in sports is a professional sportsman who tanks. When Kyrios walks to his chair as his opponent is serving, he sets himself up for contempt. Tanking is prohibited by the ATP. That may be mostly down to betting issues, but it also mirrors the attitudes of tennis fans.
No doubt Hewitt and Murray have had their meltdowns on the tennis court but they never tanked as a result. Murray's play used to be detrimentally affected by his outbursts and anger while Hewitt actually played better when he felt the world was against him. But the meltdowns were more a reflection of their desperation to win rather than a lack of interest and focus as it is with Kyrios.
If Kyrios just broke a few racquets but busted his guts to win, most fans would forgive him for some bad behaviour. But tanking adds an unforgivable 2nd strike. That said, if he grows up and gives his best, Aussies will quickly embrace him.
One of the biggest sins in sports is a professional sportsman who tanks. When Kyrios walks to his chair as his opponent is serving, he sets himself up for contempt. Tanking is prohibited by the ATP. That may be mostly down to betting issues, but it also mirrors the attitudes of tennis fans.
No doubt Hewitt and Murray have had their meltdowns on the tennis court but they never tanked as a result. Murray's play used to be detrimentally affected by his outbursts and anger while Hewitt actually played better when he felt the world was against him. But the meltdowns were more a reflection of their desperation to win rather than a lack of interest and focus as it is with Kyrios.
If Kyrios just broke a few racquets but busted his guts to win, most fans would forgive him for some bad behaviour. But tanking adds an unforgivable 2nd strike. That said, if he grows up and gives his best, Aussies will quickly embrace him.