Canberra tennis star Nick Kyrgios has the weapons to end Australia's Grand Slam men's title drought and his surprise Wimbledon campaign can spark an era of success, says Tennis Australia development manager Scott Draper.

Kyrgios' dream Wimbledon run will face its biggest test on Tuesday night when he takes on world No.1 Rafael Nadal in a fourth-round contest.

It's another step in the journey of the 19-year-old, which has already seen him usurp Bernard Tomic as Australia's most promising junior and leap over his good mate into the world's top 100.

Draper has backed Kyrgios' big-serving game to "create havoc" for 14-time Grand Slam winner Nadal.

Lleyton Hewitt was the last Australian to win a men's Grand Slam title in 2002.

But Draper believes Kyrgios' surprise form at Wimbledon will send a message to Australia's rising talent about what they have to do to succeed.

"It doesn't get much bigger than this ... Nick enjoys the limelight, the big moments and backs himself under pressure. He's a showman," Draper said.

"Nick definitely has the weapons and he genuinely believes he's got the game, then you've got someone who can create havoc.

"There's a long way to go for Nick. Bernie [Tomic] was extraordinary at a young age, but it's a long journey.

"I think he can [beat Nadal]. I'd say for sure [he's Australia's best chance to win a Grand Slam]. He's got the weapons to do so and he's got potential to be a hell of a player.

"Hopefully the other kids see what Nick's doing and want to do it as well."

The battle with Nadal is a David v Goliath contest, Nadal boasting $70 million in career earnings compared to Kyrgios' $235,000.

Kyrgios will pocket $211,000 even if he loses to Nadal, but the Canberra kid dubbed 'The Wild Thing' is adamant he can cause a monumental upset on the biggest stage in tennis.

Kyrgios will rocket into the world's top 100 players after Wimbledon and overtake Tomic, who will drop down the rankings after he was eliminated in the second round.

Just 18 months ago Kyrgios was ranked 838 in the world. But now a host of Australian greats, including John Newcombe and Pat Cash, are backing Kyrgios to shock Nadal.

Kyrgios was ready to pursue a career in basketball only a few years ago before he broke his wrist at a camp, triggering his decision to focus on tennis after mum Nill took him to hospital.

Nill will watch the clash against Nadal from Canberra after deciding against a late dash to London to avoid adding distractions to Kyrgios' preparation.

"I left him at a basketball camp. Normally I watch him but I left him and when I got home I got the call that he had hurt his wrist," Nill Kygios said.

"It was his left hand ... we talked about it on the way home from hospital and I said basketball and tennis didn't work. There was too much risk.

"He was an excellent basketballer. He had the passion ... he had the same passion for basketball, if he went that way, who knows maybe he would have done something there.

"We gave tennis two years and then reviewed it, he has to be happy and here we are."

Draper has been working with Kyrgios since he was part of the AIS scholarship program.

Former world No.42 Draper said Kyrgios thrived on performing on the big stage.

"We haven't had a lot to celebrate recently, Sam Stosur has been great, Bernie made the Wimbledon quarter-finals [in 2011] and Lleyton is always there or there abouts," Draper said.

"Rafa is relentless ... Nick's going to be tested incredibly. He's still growing into a man's body, [Nadal] won't give you any let-ups.

"Is Nick going to hit some shots and play a style that will worry Rafa? I think absolutely.

"Nick's serve speaks for itself. He's got a big ball and it's a hell of a weapon. He serves well under pressure, his backhand is world class. He can steal time and his forehand is devastating.

"Should we temper all of this [excitement]? Yes, there's a long way to go. Nick has to keep working and learning his craft."