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Former coach's stunning Kyrgios revelation

A former coach of Nick Kyrgios has opened up about his poor training habits after the Aussie youngster crashed out of the Australian Open.

Compatriot Josh Eagle says Kyrgios doesn't even train for 15 minutes per day.

Speaking to RSN 927 Radio, Eagle said it's crazy to think what Kyrgios could achieve if he stepped up his game on the practice court.

"The time has come in my opinion where he does need a bit more stability from a coaching set-up, where he's going on the court and just working on his game," Eagle said.

Eagle (R) playing with Pat Rafter in 2004. Image: Getty

"That can be just as simple as 15 minutes a day. Imagine if Nick Kyrgios worked on his tennis game 15 minutes a day.

"It sounds crazy, but that's not actually happening, and he's still No. 13 in the world.

Eagle reckons rival players already know they would not stand a chance if he committed himself.

"They (other players) would look at him and say 'wow, what a talent'. On the flip side they say, 'Imagine if he was working harder, we would not stand a chance against him'. They probably feel a little bit sorry and sad that we are constantly seeing these blow-ups."


Eagle, a former professional player himself, pinpointed Kyrgios' biggest weakness.

"The moment he gets under extreme pressure, that switch just flicks. He himself does not even know how to react. This has been happening for the bulk of his career. And it frustrates him."

"It's not the lack of effort, it's just that he has no coping skills."

After melting down in his second round loss to Andreas Seppi, Kyrgios acknowledged his need to hire a coach, but former world No.1 Jim Courier cautioned him against doing so for the wrong reasons.

Courier believes Kyrgios' confession is an important step in the right direction for the troubled tennis star.

"But if he takes on a coach because he thinks that he needs one, but not because he feels that he needs one, then it would be a waste of money for him and a waste of time for the coach," Courier said.