Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during his men's singles tennis match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London July 1, 2014.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during his men's singles tennis match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London July 1, 2014. REUTERS

Former top-ranked tennis athlete John Newcombe has said that rising star Nick Kyrgios could break in the top four of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world rankings if the 19-year-old keeps his feet on the ground and works hard. Newcombe said Kyrgios has got the package but needs to improve his "work ethic."

Speaking at the annual induction dinner of Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Newcombe said that Kyrgios and other younger athletes can certainly make it to the top of the world rankings only if they work toward their goals. Newcombe said that he learned the same teaching from the late world-acclaimed Australian tennis player and coach Harry Hopman.

According to Newcombe, Hopman told how important the art of discipline is for success. "That's the type of message I'd like to get across to young guys like Nick," Newcombe said.

Kyrgios surged onto the scene and rose to prominence when he upset then World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, 7-6(5), 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-3, to reach the quarterfinals of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. Unfortunately, his dream to win the Wimbledon title was cut short when he lost to Canadian Milos Raonic in the last eight stage, 7-6(4), 2-6, 4-6, 6-7(4).

Kyrgios become the youngest player in the last decade to defeat a World No. 1. Nadal previously did it to Roger Federer at the 2005 French Open.

Kyrgios is currently ranked 55th in the latest ATP world rankings. He is the second-ranked Australian, only one spot behind Lleyton Hewitt, who sits at the 54th place. He is 10-9 this season. He last played at the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur, where he lost to fellow Australian 78th-ranked Marinko Matosevic, 6-7(4), 6-7(3), in Round 32.

In September, it was announced that Kyrgios has pulled out of the ATP tournaments in Tokyo, Stockholm and Vienna, as opposed to the schedule he shared on his official website. Tennis.com reported that the 19-year-old Aussie has decided to take a break because he just wanted to take a breather and relax. Kyrgios is expected to play in the International Tennis Premier League (ITPL) during the off-season.

MORE SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Arum Worried That Pacquiao Isn't Focused On Chris Algieri Fight

Tim Tebow Gets More Job Offers Outside The NFL

Kate Upton And Justin Verlander Seen In Public Again During A Visit To Ground Zero