Zverev takes cheeky dig at coachless champion Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios has heard it for years: he needs a coach! It’s time Kyrgios took on a coach!

The Aussie hasn’t found a former professional to work with on a full-time basis but for now it doesn’t matter.

Kyrgios blitzed world No.3 Alexander Zverev in the Mexican Open final to win his first trophy since January 2018.

Zverev, however, was caught in a bind.

After congratulating Kyrgios with a classy runners-up speech, the German moved to pay tribute to the Aussie’s team.

“Now would be the moment to say well done to your team but, uh, you had two people there but I don’t know,” Zverev said.

“First of all they left and second of all I don’t know what their actual job is, to be honest. So well done to them as well.”

He was left in stitches by his rival’s quick wit, with cameras revealing his two-man team was already down on the court.

Kyrgios, by now wearing the tournament’s traditional championship sombrero, praised Ashcon Rezazadeh for doing ‘everything’ for him.

He also thanked his mate Daniel Horsfall, who flew all the way from Canberra to Acapulco to be part of the tournament.

The contrast between Kyrgios and Zverev’s approach to the game was made even more clear in the champion’s speech when he congratulated his long-time friend.

“You’re so professional, you’re an example to any tennis player,” Kyrgios said.

“I think I can take a leaf out of your book and maybe I can catch you on some titles one day.”

Kyrgios conquered Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, John Isner and Zverev – all current or former top-10 players – to become a deserving winner.

The achievement wasn’t lost on Zverev.

“I know you guys had a little bit of a fight with the crowd but really (Kyrgios) is the one who deserves to win the tournament this week,” he said.

“He is the real champion of the week. I think everybody needs to give credit to the people who deserve credit and I think definitely Nick you showed you were the best player, so well done to you.”