Andre Agassi puts Nine host in his place at the Australian Open 2024 after ‘wasted talent’ Nick Kyrgios dig as tennis legend admits troubled star reminds him of himself
- Andre Agassi shared his view on Nick Kyrgios on Sunday
- He disagreed with the view that Kyrgios is ‘a wasted talent’
- Kyrgios has been sidelined for a long time due to injuries
Andre Agassi did not want to fall into the trap of Nine presenter Toby Jones after he was questioned about Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open.
The 28-year-old has played just one competitive match since the start of last year, with knee and wrist injuries keeping the Australian sidelined.
Given his lengthy absence from football, questions have been raised about what Kyrgios’ future holds, with the fierce competitor having never won a grand slam during his explosive career.
And when Agassi was interviewed in Nine’s coverage of the Australian Open, he was asked by Jones if Kyrgios could be seen as ‘a wasted talent’.
“Unfortunately, we think we know more about people than we do,” Agassi responded.
Andre Agassi didn’t want to get drawn into a pointed question about Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios will not play at the Australian Open due to an injury suffered last year
The American legend also said he saw a lot of himself in Kyrgios, as the duo had to overcome their own mental turmoil during their career.
‘We never really know what’s going on in their heads and in their hearts. I spent many years playing this game with very little connection to my own sense of purpose while I was there.
“One thing I will say about Nick: From the outside, you definitely understand what he’s feeling, no matter what it is.
“He’s certainly exposed the fact, his honesty with the game, or perhaps his lack of desire, which will hopefully give him a chance to heal and hopefully tennis will benefit from him figuring out how to get that talent back can bring for our pleasure. ‘
Nine’s Toby Jones questioned whether Kyrgios could be seen as ‘a wasted talent’
Agassi was also asked for his thoughts on Alex de Minaur’s chances in Melbourne after the Australian defeated Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in the build-up to the tournament.
“As for Alex de Minaur, when I see him play, I want to feel like that for five minutes a day,” Agassi added.
“The energy and the passion, that man embodies the Australian spirit as best as anyone has ever done.”