Mats Wilander believes it will take ‘a big player’ to beat a revitalised Nick Kyrgios at this year’s Wimbledon

Mats Wilander thinks it will need “a big player” to defeat a revitalised Nick Kyrgios at this year’s Wimbledon.

Kyrgios plays Brandon Nakashima for a place in the SW19 semis, with Wilander talking up his chances.

“I think he’s a different person right here in this tournament,” Wilander told Eurosport.

“He said after the second round that his best chance of winning a Grand Slam is winning Wimbledon.

“He said he thinks he’s a good player.

“And with that comes maybe a little bit more of him talking and of him being upset, and of his style of entertainment.

“But I think he’s more focussed than his time around than I’ve ever seen him, except maybe a couple of years at the Australian Open.

“I think he’s playing and serving great, and it’s going to take a big player to beat him.”

Like many in the game, Wilander is already looking ahead to when the pair may clash again on the tour.

“I hope that they can bury the problems and be friends, but on the court they’re going to be fighters,” Wilander said.

“And if this is what we have to look forward to, most people are going to be glued to the TV – including me – but I just hope that it goes in a little bit more of a positive direction in terms of the spirit and behaviour on court.”

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