Malaysian Open Hoping To Lure Wimbledon Breakout Star Nick Kyrgios Of Australia

There is a "possibility of Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios playing in the Malaysian Open tennis championship at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil" from Sept. 20-28, according to Tan Ming Wai of THE STAR. Malaysian Open Tournament Dir Nick Freyer believes Kyrgios' presence will make the $1M indoor championship "extra special." Freyer: "It is wonderful to see an exciting young player such as Kyrgios break through at a major tournament like Wimbledon." Kyrgios' mother, Norlaila, was born in Malaysia (THE STAR, 7/3).

VALUE ON THE RISE: REUTERS' Ian Ransom reported marketing experts are saying that Kyrgios' brand has "shot into the stratosphere" following his win over Rafael Nadal on Tuesday. Sydney-based boutique agency Waterfront Managing Dir Sean Pickwell said the value of Kyrgios' brand has "probably quadrupled." Jack Lamacraft, the director of ad agency M&C Saatchi’s Sydney office, said, "This might well open up some lucrative commercial opportunities for him in Asia as well" (REUTERS, 7/3).