The 2017 season is around the corner and predictions heading into the first slam are abundant. Of the ATP 21 and under crowd, there is no one with more name recognition than Nick Kyrgios. Ask ATP veteran Rafael Nadal and he will tell you Nick is, “a player who has an unbelievable potential. He has to focus on himself, and can become world No. 1 and win a Grand Slam.” Nadal made this declaration during a recent Tommy Hilfiger press conference.

Kyrgios who joined the tour in 2013 ended 2016 in the auspicious No. 13 spot. He has already earned in excess of 3.5 million dollars. No one 21 and under comes close with one exception, Alexander (Sashca) Zverev who at age 19 may catch up.

If you asked a non-tennis fan what sport Nick plays, the muscle shirts, carved haircuts, chains, intensity, and tattoos would probably produce the answer, the NBA. Nick does not dress for club tennis he has his own style. Add in a fiery personality and unsavory outbursts, it seems questionable whether Nick and tennis are a fit?

But wait, this is the NextGen player who can compete with the best on tour, produce upsets and win titles. Legendary coach Paul Annacone has acknowledged Nick’s physical talent as one of the best on tour.

During a 2016 Miami presser, a sullen Nick acknowledged that he felt misrepresented by the press. He also revealed, “I feel like nobody knows the real me. But to be honest, I'd prefer to keep it that way.” One has to wonder whether a sport that requires daily post-match press conferences and regular player appearances feels unsettling for someone who holds this viewpoint.

In Miami, Victoria Azarenka spoke of her media learning curve stating, “At the beginning of my career it was difficult for me to face media. I didn't know how to behave… it was a lot for me to learn how to open up and talk to the media, understand the importance of it. I think sometimes we don't give enough credit just because we get so criticized, but it is very important for people to be educated by media. It spreads the news; it gives the sport a lot of attention and awareness. That part I had to really understand and learn.” This insight may apply to Nick as well.

Unlike team sports where players share the spotlight, tennis requires a personality that thrives alone under the microscope. The moment a player steps into the tunnel, the camera rolls. On each changeover, the Spidercam closes in. This may feel like a hostile intrusion for someone who may be at heart a private person and as such a challenging adjustment at 21.

On court, every expression is caught by cameras and scrutinized in commentary. There is nowhere to hide. Those close-up moments have been less than ideal for Kyrgios, some resulting in suspensions. President-elect Donald Trump once declared, there is no such thing as bad press. For better or worse, Nick has achieved recognition and he draws crowds waiting to see what he will do next.

In the interest of proper etiquette and fair sport, it seems right to root for the possibility that 2017 can be a year of contemplation, growth, and opportunity. With Lleyton Hewitt’s influence, can Nick harness his flash into a more positive outcome? Hewitt says yes. He recently praised Nick for his Davis Cup performance and spoke about seeing the complimentary sides of Nick that the media are missing.

Hewitt spoke to the media about Nick’s ability to recover after five-set matches both physically and mentally stating, “that’s something that he’s getting better at.” Hewitt also sees Nick maturing which seems the most crucial player development opportunity to date. Perhaps Nick will be able to settle into the role with less adversity and temper his reactions. With Hewitt as an advocate, the tennis world may feel like a kinder place where Kyrgios can flourish rather than flash and burn.

2017 may be a pivotal year. Standing 6 ‘4 the Aussie possesses the ability to deliver crushing serves and play first strike tennis. As part of a reduced ATP suspension plan, he has agreed to seek the help of a sport psychologist. If his mentality can rise to match his physical abilities, Kyrgios may find his stride to dismiss opponents in the Australian Open draw. Finding neutral ground in Melbourne may be the key to open up the possibility of top-ten 2017 finish.