It was a week of regression for Nick Kyrgios.
The enigmatic Kyrgios clashed with the chair umpire crashing out of Shanghai again and fell to No. 38 in the rankings behind Aussie compatriots Alex de Minaur and John Millman, who rose to No. 33 and 34, respectively.
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Asked about Kyrgios' decline at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, reigning champion Roger Federer suggested Kyrgios needs a dose of discipline to unlock his massive potential.
"I think it's really up to him where he wants to go and what his potential really holds," Federer told the media. "We don't really know and I don't think he really knows exactly what his potential is.
"And only through understanding work ethic and scheduling and whatever it might be, creating the right team around himself, only then can you unlock the potential really."
After Federer thrashed Kyrgios at the US Open last month, the sometime volatile Aussie said he could learn from the Australian Open champion's calm disposition.
"I think we're two very different characters," Kyrgios told the media after Federer's 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 third-round victory. "I think, you know, just the way he goes about things. I could take a leaf out of his book. The way he behaves on court, you know, his demeanor, I could definitely take away.
"I don't want to change myself too much, but I could definitely take away things he does in certain situations. He's the ultimate role model to anyone who wants to play."
Federer, who struggled for consistency early in his career, said he can relate to Kyrgios and believes in his game, but stressed he must have a process in place to fulfill his potential.
"[He can] win bigger tournaments and do all these things," Federer said. "But there is still a process in place that he needs to do like any other player needs to go through in order to be successful."
Photo credit: Laver Cup