Belgian tennis player David Goffin was highly critical of rival Nick Kyrgios. The World No. 7 believes that it is important for him to be a good example for younger players. He said, ‘Actually, I think I behave and have a good attitude, to have success. I first do it for me and then if it can have an impact on younger players, is important. A guy like [Nick] Kyrgios came at the top, but I don’t think he is a good example for younger Australian players.

Goffin alluded to Kyrgios’ way of working and says that it works for him. But Goffin admits that people prefer to see more players like himself. The Belgian spoke about his knee injury as well, he said, ‘It’s much better and the two-week rest was great. I am having a long-term treatment that will continue. But the good news is that for me it’s not an issue when I play.’

The 27-year old also commented on his holidays with the French Davis Cup team who beat Belgium in the final. He talked about French players Lucas Pouille, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Pierre-Hugues Herbert in particular. ‘We didn’t have any problems, we spoke very less about that. Sometimes we spoke about tennis, but never too much. I don’t see them as rivals but friends. And our girlfriends get along well.’

The Australian, Kyrgios has had a reputation for being tennis’ ‘bad boy’. He has landed himself in so many controversies that it is hard to keep track. It was probably Nick’s on court and off court persona that may have turned off a number of his fellow contenders. His ‘temper tantrums’ have done little to earn him any favours even among umpires and officials.

In the buildup to the Australian Open, Goffin currently does not have anything on his schedule. Kyrgios on the other hand will be participating in Brisbane in the New Year.