PLAYERS taking part this week’s Bendigo Winter tournament have been inspired by the efforts of Aussie teenager Nick Kyrgios.
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The young gun stunned the sporting world on Wednesday morning, when he defeated the world number one Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.
The fearless wildcard rose to the occasion, playing the game of his career to win a spot in the quarter finals.
Bendigo Tennis Association’s executive officer Leon Retallick said it was an exciting time in Australian tennis.
“We have big tournament here in Bendigo at the moment and everyone here seems very excited by it,” he said.
“It is inspiring; hopefully a lot of the kids can take something from it.”
Retallick said Kyrgios’ win showed hard work and determination pays off.
“Nick was playing in the pro-circuit here in Australia and there is guys that are playing in the tournament here in Bendigo who have played against him,” he said.
“We had a player here who played against Thanasi Kokkinakis at a tournament here last year and did pretty well and then Kokkinakis went and played Nadal at the Australian Open and did pretty well.
“I suppose if they all think that they are not that far away, hopefully that inspires them to stay in the game.”
Retallick said he remembered when the Canberra teenager last played in Bendigo.
“He made the semi-finals of our pro tour event and he did a great job of making the semi’s here,” he said.
“I remember he flew in overnight from Japan and came straight up here to play.
“He was very professional, he has great ability, and hopefully it is the start of something.”
Adelaide youngsters Kara, 12, and Justin, 15, Tscharke and Jasper Benson,12, flew to Bendigo to compete for the Winter event.
Justin said he tipped Kyrgios to win against Nadal.
“It was awesome to see him win,” he said.
“I reckon he can win the whole thing.”
The winter tournament, played at the Bendigo Tennis Association will continue on Thursday.
