Kyrgios: "Grand Slams should be best of three sets until the quarterfinals"

Already thinking about his imminent return, which will take place in the first months of next year on the Australian tour, Nick Kyrgios is warming up with statements that are sure to spark debate. Like a letter written to the Three Kings, the former Wimbledon finalist in the 2022 season has very clear ideas about the five major changes he believes should happen in tennis to make the sport more popular among people. His words are not to be missed.

• Three sets in Grand Slams (up to quarter-finals)

"I think matches should be best of three sets up to the quarter-finals, and from there, best of five. That's what I would immediately change in the Grand Slams. If they made it best of three up to the quarters, we would see more guys reaching the quarter-finals, but then, the best players would prevail in the best of five. The first week would be more exciting. How many times have you seen one of the best players in the world lose the first set and then come back to win as if it were nothing?" Nick explained on the official page of the Australian Open.

"When Li Tu won the first set against Alcaraz in the early rounds of the US Open, it would be tied with this, and a final set to be played. This could change Li Tu's career if he beats Alcaraz on the central court of the New York Grand Slam. That's how you make a name. I think it would be a very cool change. It would save us a lot of effort in the program of the first weeks, where we always lose control. Men's matches don't end until 2 or 3 in the morning, it's not sustainable."

• Mic up the players

"I would also put microphones on the players. If you look at the NBA, they put a microphone inside the shirt by the neck, so you can't feel it. Not doing it in tennis is absurd. Why wouldn't you put a mic on Novak or Alcaraz to know what they say? Before important points, many of us talk to ourselves. The content you could create would have fans glued to the screens."

• Better storytelling and commentary

"I'm not such a critical commentator. I don't like it when the narrators go too far with the players because it's not easy being out there on the court. Sports are very physical these days. Tennis storytelling and commentary need to change. When you've played, you understand the Futures and Challengers, how difficult it is to break into the Top 128 players in a Grand Slam. We can't promote the same players all the time. There are very good athletes who aren't as well known."

• More mixed doubles

In what other sport can you see your favorite female player alongside your favorite male player on the same side of the net, fighting for a good prize? It's not possible. You don't see it in any other sport. In the Masters 1000, instead of separate men's and women's doubles, only mixed doubles should be played. I'd play it 100%. I've had the honor of playing with Serena and Venus. I would have loved to share the court with Ash Barty, one of the most talented players in tennis history."

• About the media

"The media side is very underrated. When someone turns on the TV, they may not know anything about the players. Comments need to be up to date, adapting to new generations. It needs to be strong, energetic for about 20/30 seconds, and that can hook a new fan. I try, from both ends of the spectrum, to make the sport grow as much as it can."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kyrgios: "Los Grand Slams deberían ser al mejor de tres sets hasta los cuartos de final"