NEW YORK—Nick Kyrgios confesses he's underachieved and must develop mental strength to fulfill his potential.

After bowing to Roger Federer in straight sets in the US Open third round, Kyrgios said he's considering hiring a coach or sport psychologist for help.

US Open: Federer Carves Up Kyrgios

"I wouldn't say I'm satisfied with my career," Kyrgios said. "I think there is a lot more to be done and there is a lot more to be, I mean, explored.

"In my career, I have been around for about four years now. I have barely done anything. I think I can do a lot more. As I said, it's all mental with me, I think. If I want it enough, you know, I have a coaching option, psychology option.

"I think there is a lot more things to explore. But, I mean, obviously I want to achieve more in the sport. I don't think I have done anything."

Hall of Famer Chrissie Evert, who knows and likes Kyrgios, says championship desire is inherent and questions if Kyrgios has the raw hunger and discipline to be a major champion.

"It's frustrating to watch him," Evert told the media in an ESPN conference call. "He kind of brings talent to another level that we've never seen, I don't think, in the tennis world. This is a new level of talent.

"But you can't change DNA. You can't change the wiring of somebody. This change has got to come within himself. You know, he's going to coast as long as he wants, as long as he can, but at some point I think we all who are fans of his and love his tennis are probably wanting this more than he is right now."



Kyrgios' girlfriend, Ajla Tomljanovic, has trained at the Evert Academy where the former world No. 1 has praised Kyrgios for hitting with juniors.

Evert says Kyrgios has yet to show he's willing to make sacrifices necessary to master a major.

"He's a complicated guy, and I wonder if he just doesn't want to give up a lot," Evert said. "Because you have to make sacrifices to be the best to win Grand Slams. You have to make mental and emotional sacrifices, as well as physical, which is the training, which I think he doesn't train like the top men do, and I don't think mentally and emotionally he's at that level of the top players. But he's gotten by with not having to work that hard at any of those components."

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