Austrian rising star Jurij Rodionov says he is a not a Nick Kyrgios type of player as he isn't interested in being a showman on the court. Rodionov, 19, debuted on the ATP level this past Monday on the clay-courts of Kitzbuhel.
The Austrian beat former world No. 10 Ernests Gulbis in the Kitzbuhel first round before he beat Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the final round to reach the main draw. Rodionov, who was showing lots of emotions during his ATP debut, but fell short in his bid of beating of fellow compatriot Dennis Novak in the first round.
Austrian rising star Novak handed a 6-4 0-6 6-1 defeat to the 19-year-old. Kyrgios, a four-time ATP champion, is widely considered to be the most entertaining player to watch on the Tour. The 23-year-old Australian enjoys entertaining the crowd with his casual game-style and attractive shot-making.
"I'm not Kyrgios. I always give 100 percent and I try to win the match in the shortest and easiest way," Rodionov said. Rodionov has been improving his game and making progress since the start of the season. The Austrian captured his maiden Challenger title at the Almaty Challenger in June when he as a qualifier made it all the way at the tournament.
The 19-year-old won a total of eight match during his run in Almaty -- three qualifying and five main draw matches. Rodionov, who started the year ranked at No. 501 in the world, is now ranked at No. 268. The Austrian reached his career-high ranking of No.
255 in the world last week. Also read: Promising Austrian Jurij Rodionov speaks highly about Dominic Thiem