Tommy Paul’s comments mid-way through his match against Nick Kyrgios earlier this week have drawn the interest of Rennae Stubbs.
As she watched on from court-side, the Aussie was pleasantly surprised by the level of tennis on offer.
After all, with exhibitions, the level can vary quite wildly based on how invested the players are in the event.
Fortunately for those in attendance at the Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden, they were treated to a plethora of good tennis, with Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka making up a star-studded quartet.
However, it was what Tommy Paul said to her during his singles clash with Nick Kyrgios that has sparked suggestions about his potential attendance at the upcoming Australian Open.
What Tommy Paul said about Nick Kyrgios during their match
Having been injured for so long, there was natural scepticism about Kyrgios being fit for his home Grand Slam.
However, Stubbs is now far more confident of seeing her compatriot make an appearance in Melbourne after what Paul claimed, as she recalled on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast: “I was at the Garden Cup last night at Madison Square Garden. It had Tommy Paul, Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka, and I have to tell you, some pretty good tennis.
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“I think the Atlanta exhibition was a bit of a joke. It wasn’t really competitive. They weren’t really trying. It was Kyrgios and Ben Shelton. It was a bit chaotic.
“But Madison Square Garden brings a bit of a different atmosphere because these players really know they should give these people what they want, which is good tennis with a bit of fun. Then they finished it off with a mixed doubles, which was a lot of fun, and pretty competitive.
“Nick and Aryna were getting ready for their Battle of the Sexes.
“Tommy Paul ran over at one point in the corner of the court and looked at me and started laughing because Nick won this really great point.
“He goes ‘it’s like he’s moving unbelievable!’ So maybe Nick is going to play in Australia. He certainly hits the ball unbelievably.”
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This is certain to stoke suggestions about Kyrgios’ potential availability for the Australian Open.
After all, not only was he moving well, but he managed to complete close to a full match without any signs of wear and tear.
There are still plenty of opportunities to see the 30-year-old before the mid-January start date of the first major of the year, giving Kyrgios ample time to continue his steady recovery.
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Kyrgios will play Sabalenka in a Battle of the Sexes match later this month as part of his steady comeback.
The director of the tournament has also suggested if he plans to give Kyrgios a wild card at the Australian Open, in the wake of these Stubbs comments.
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