In a year during which he went coachless, fell foul of Olympic authorities and was sent off by those governing his own sport to work with a sports psychologist, Nick Kyrgios didn’t do too badly in 2016 in other respects.
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There were, after all, three precious ATP titles – in Marseille, Atlanta and Tokyo.
He had victories over Berdych, Cilic, Gasquet, Monfils, Raonic and Wawrinka.
Of the 54 singles matches that the 21-year-old played he won 39.
In 18 tournaments, aside from Davis Cup commitments, Kyrgios racked up more than 90 tour points in all but four to lift his world ranking from 30 after the Australian Open to an impressive 14 at year’s end.
And then there are the singles tournaments earnings of more $US1.75 million.
Not bad for a guy who, according to his own media conference after dipping out of this year’s Australian Open this week, has more dramas going on than most his age.
It was not difficult to cast his behaviour both on the court and when talking to the press as petulant.
Who knows how much coaching of one sort or another he received during the past year, but on the court his arrangements worked well more often than not – in terms of results at least.
But the lack of a cool head within his immediate entourage revealed more than the odd problem whether it be in dealing with Kitty Chiller, Pat Rafter, Tennis Australia generally or those in charge of the sport worldwide.
As many exasperated sports coaches and administrators have lamented over time – it is not possible to hunger success for a talented star.
They have to not only want it for themselves, but be prepared to make the commitment on and off the court to deliver it.
His mate Bernard Tomic, himself prone to the odd outburst and brush with the authorities, wants just about everyone to leave Kyrgios alone.
But left to his own devices, even by his own admissions – the cracks may widen quickly.
Super-talented teenagers often make their way quickly to the top. On the back of a healthy and organised lifestyle until then, coupled with wide-eyed opportunism, the rewards come sooner rather than later.
But then come the challenges of adulthood – the desire to enjoy other opportunities and the increased risk of injury as the body reaches maturity in the face of an increased workload.
In his own special way, Kyrgios enunciated on Wednesday night the things he needs to address and there are many who will want him to do so.
Let’s hope that includes his rat-pack for in the case of Nick Kyrgios it seems clear that he values their counsel higher than most.
