Nick Kyrgios, who is currently competing in this year’s ATP World Tour in Kuala Lumpur, revealed that 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer is his role model on and off the court. According to him, Federer helps him be in his best behaviour ever since he went haywire earlier this year.

Kyrgios confessed at the Malaysian Open that he has always loved watching Federer since he was a child. The 20-year-old Australian said he used to watch Federer on YouTube, and for him, the Swiss Maestro is the greatest of all time.

“I think he’s the greatest of all time,” Kyrgios told reporters at the Malaysian Open, Tennis reports. “He’s the one role model I have—off the court as well—because of the way he carries himself, helping people.”

Kyrgios may have had a change of perspective in playing tennis as the Aussie looks to be on his best form at the Malaysian Open after progressing into quarterfinals of the tournament. Kyrgios, seeded seventh in Kuala Lumpur, displayed an impressive performance to beat Japan’s Tatsuma Ito 6-3 6-2 in the second round at Putra Stadium on Wednesday.

"I think I just feel more matured coming into the tournament this year," Kyrgios told the Star. "I didn't think so much about events like this last year but I realised I have to be consistent all round as it will help me in my rankings and seedings.”

However, a threat of suspension from Association of Tennis Professionals, or ATP, is still lurking to strike Krygios, who was handed a 28-day ban and was fined US$10,000 (AU$14187.21) for sledging Swiss world No. 4 Stan Wawrinka at the Montreal Masters in August.

Kyrgios will move on to challenge third seed Ivo Karlovic, who struck 18 aces against Nikoloz Basilashvili. The world No. 41 will have a chance to earn a top 32 seed at next year’s Australian Open, if all goes well in Kuala Lumpur. This would help him avoid facing a top seed in the first round of a Grand Slam title, which is what happened at the U.S. Open when he played Great Britain’s Andy Murray.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au , or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES