Tennis: Kyrgios needs a sizeable support staff

Nick Kyrgios plays a shot through his legs against Andy Murray. Photo / AP

Milos Raonic has dropped Nick Kyrgios a large hint to surround himself with wise tennis voices or live to regret it.

Defending the embattled Australian following a tormented fourth-round Wimbledon failure, Raonic said finding suitable support staff - including a coach - was crucial.

"I think he (Kyrgios) does work pretty hard and I think he does try to improve," the Canadian said. "I think we probably have a very different perspective on the way we go about it.

"I'm sure he has strong people around him, and he has the people he feels he needs around him," he said. "I think probably we both feel we have very different needs.

"The way I've always looked at it is, don't spare any expense when it comes to improving. Maybe some other guys look at it a different way," he said. "I have three coaches here, not here right now, but around me.

"I have numerous physios I alternate. I have a fitness guy," he said. "I have numerous people that either come to tournaments or are taking care of me behind the scenes. I feel that's what I need."

John McEnroe, who slated Kyrgios' performance against Andy Murray, last month joined Raonic's coaching staff with an immediate impact.

Since he started collaborating with Carlos Moya and Raonic, McEnroe has watched his new charge reach the Queen's Club final and the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Kyrgios, who is four years younger than Raonic, has been without a coach since parting from Todd Larkham a year ago.

Larkham took over from Simon Rea after he had guided Kyrgios into the 2014 Wimbledon quarters.

"I've looked to other people to really try to help me, try to get the most out of me, because I think that would be my biggest regret if I didn't do everything I could," Raonic said.

Kyrgios has earmarked Radek Stepanek as a possible future mentor but the Czech veteran wants to continue is own career indefinitely.

Kyrgios admitted there are few coaches who would tolerate his ambivalent commitment to excellence.

He said there are some weeks where he is motivated and others where he has no interest in improvement.

Shattered by his performance against Murray, Kyrgios posted on social media: "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.

"See you next year SW19."

-news.com.au