When the US Open released its mixed doubles draw on Monday, a new pairing of promising yet strugglling stars was found in the lower half of the draw. Eugenie Bouchard and Nick Kyrgios.
See the complete mixed doubles draw here
Already paired with one of the more brash and vocal players of generations past in Jimmy Connors, Bouchard says that there was no hesitation about partnering with the controversial 20-year-old.
“None at all,” she said.
The Canadian told TSN journalist Mark Masters that tennis needs people like Kyrgios in the game.
“I think we need people like him on the tour,” Bouchard told Masters, saying that the Aussie was “charismatic” and “brings something different.”
Read the complete tweet from Masters below.
Bouchard and Kyrgios will open against Elina Svitolina and Artem Sitak in the firsts round, and could face Leander Paes and Martina Hingis in the second.
In singles Bouchard eased past Alison Riske in straight sets on Monday, 6-4, 6-3, while Kyrgios will face Andy Murray on Tuesday night on Arthur Ashe.