Growing up in public isn't easy, Boris Becker admits.
But the former tennis prodigy and world No.1 believes Australia's Nick Kyrgios has finally come of age.
Becker said Kyrgios took a "big step forward" during his composed run to the fourth round of the Australian Open, becoming a crowd favourite again just 12 months after being booed on court.
He says the reason behind the 22-year-old's recent resurgence was simple - the world No.14 grew up.
Becker would know.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The German great has been living in the limelight since he won the first of his six grand slams at the age of 17.
"It's a natural evolution he is going through; it is called growing up," Becker, now 50, said.
"I know what these boys are going through, I have gone through it myself - it looks a lot easier from the outside."
Becker looked forward to watching the new and improved Kyrgios take centre stage in Australia's Davis Cup first-round tie against his beloved Germany in Brisbane this week.
Becker, now the German federation's head of men's tennis, said he could not wait to see the tie's centrepiece - the reverse singles rubber between Kyrgios and world No.5 Alexander Zverev - at Pat Rafter Arena on Sunday.
Becker believes that match will howcase the future of tennis.
Roger Federer is showing no signs of slowing down after his 20th grand slam win but Becker says Kyrgios, Zverev and South Korea's giant killer Hyeon Chung could launch a new world order.
"There is a big change in tennis," Becker said.
"We all love watching Roger win but it won't last forever.
"This is the future, what we see here (in Brisbane).
"I would add Chung to the list as well.
"I see Nick and Sascha (Zverev) as two of the best ones we have - we need to give them a bit of time and breathing space to develop."
