Andy Murray's next French Open opponent Nick Kyrgios can be the best player in the world within two years, according to three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.
Murray plays Kyrgios for a place in the last 16 at Roland Garros on Saturday and the Scot will be well aware of the threat posed by the 20-year-old, despite winning both their previous encounters.
The latest of those came at the Australian Open in January when Murray came through in straight sets, but the Australian represents a danger nonetheless, having beaten Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last year and Roger Federer on clay only three weeks ago.
"He's got belief in himself. He brings something, you can feel it on the court," McEnroe said.
"He talks a lot, he's out there expressing himself. From that standpoint I can see a similarity between him and myself.
"I believe he's got a shot at being the number one player in the world in the next couple of years, certainly without question top five.
"I think it would be good to have someone with his background and with Australia's incredible history.
"He's making progress. I would have thought he would have already been higher than he is but if he takes it seriously and is able to commit himself, he is going to be a truly great player.
"I don't know if he's ready to beat Murray yet in the third round but that would be the type of match I would really look forward to."
Kyrgios' self-confidence off the court has so far made as many headlines as his achievements on it, but the world number 30 takes accusations of arrogance in his stride.
"It's not annoying at all (to be called arrogant)," Kyrgios said.
"The greatest people in every sport have an unbelievable amount of self-confidence and that's one thing that makes me a good tennis player.
"I have a lot of self-belief and you don't see many 19 or 20-year-olds beating some of the greatest of all time.
"It definitely helps me on the court.
"I'm still learning how to deal with my emotions on the court, I show a lot of anger at times but I'm still learning.
"I think it's a good thing and I'm not fussed what other people think at all."
John McEnroe and BNP Paribas present the "We Are Tennis Fan Academy" - for more information go to www.fans.wearetennis.com
Source: PA
