THE tennis world, according to Andre Agassi, is Nick Kyrgios’ oyster — but desire, rather than talent, will ultimately decide how far the Australian firebrand advances.

Former No.1 Agassi contrived one of the most extraordinary careers, morphing from prodigious to profligate before carving out a celebrated record, crowned by eight grand slam titles.

Once rebellious — like Kyrgios is now — Agassi, now 46, retired as a tennis sage, hugely respected and admired.

The American, in Melbourne as a keynote speaker for Telstra, believes Kyrgios can forge a similar career.

“He can make the jump when he wakes up tomorrow, the rest is up to him,” the Las Vegan said.

“I find him a fascinating talent and a fascinating person in that he’s still young and clear in his feelings towards the game and his openness to speak it.

“You can try to analyse the demons he needs to overcome, but he needs to come to terms with what he wants for himself.

“Tennis is an innocent bystander in that dilemma.”

media_camera Andre Agassi likes Nick Kyrgios’ openness. Picture: AFP

Asked if the world No.15 had the ability to eventually triumph at grand slam level and reach No.1, Agassi said: “From just a talent perspective, absolutely.

“But you have to solve further problems. You don’t reach No.1 with peaks and valleys.

“You have to really balance that out to accomplish that part of it.”

“You can win grand slams with peaks and valleys, two weeks of heaven ... but to be No.1 requires a sustainable effort that doesn’t allow for that kind of tumultuous ride.”

Agassi urged Kyrgios to make good on plans to build a team, including a coach and strength conditioner, as part of his tilt at the top.

“He obviously needs some form of inspiration to engage and he needs to put a team around him to allow him to execute those changes daily,” Agassi said.

“Simple is good, taking time for yourself and being around people who are honest and good for you, being honest with yourself and figuring out where tennis fits in.

“I’m always amazed when I look back at my life and hating tennis. It’s like hating an inanimate object. Tennis is what you want to be.”

media_camera Andre Agassi with then-coach Darren Cahill with and the Australian Open trophy in 2003 at Melbourne Park.

Ranked No.1 in 1995, Agassi was considered a faded force two years later when his ranking ballooned to No.140.

He returned to dominate the sport, particularly the Australian Open, which he won four times.

One of the most influential characters in his life is Adelaide’s Darren Cahill, who helped guide Agassi to become the oldest man in history to hold the No.1 ranking in 2003.

“I’ve never met a person who cares more about the game,” Agassi said.

“I’ve never met a person with more knowledge of the game and quite frankly I’ve never met a person who’s more professional.

“The man takes care of his business tirelessly, both on the home front and the balance of life and his work.

“He does it without complaint. He’s a pleasure to watch

“I consider Darren one of the great over-achievers in life and quite frankly, I would hire Darren for anything.”