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<p>Australian star Nick Kyrgios blasted on Mats Wilander and told him to "shut up". The Aussie said that nobody cares what he (Mats) thinks after the seven-time major winner controversially told Andy Murray to retire from tennis.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uaes-al-nasr-becomes-first-arab-club-to-sign-israeli-footballer-330936" hreflang="en">UAE's Al Nasr becomes first Arab club to sign Israeli footballer</a></p>

<p>British player Murray slumped to his joint-worst defeat at a Grand Slam on Sunday with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 loss at the hands of Stan Wawrinka in the first round of Roland Garros.</p>

<p>"I worry about Andy Murray. I would love to hear him say why he is out there, giving us a false sense of hope that he going to come back one day," Wilander told Eurosport.</p>

<p>"I keep getting a little bit disappointed, is it his right to be out there doing that? Why? I did it and I shouldn't have, it was the biggest mistake I did in my career. I think Andy Murray needs to stop thinking of himself and start thinking about who he was. Does he have a right to be out there taking wildcards from the young players?"</p>

<p>The Aussie (Kyrgios) defended the former world number one.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just read what Wilander said about <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> .... shut up Mats, no one cares. Muzz, just know that how ever long you stay, we all appreciate and enjoy your tennis and banter. Also I’ve never watched a point of Mats Wilander. 😂🤦🏽‍♂️</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1310536779435442176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Just read what Wilander said about @andy_murray .... shut up Mats, no one cares," tweeted Kyrgios.</p>

<p>"Muzz, just know that how ever long you stay, we all appreciate and enjoy your tennis and banter. Also I've never watched a point of Mats Wilander."</p>

<p>Murray, a three-time Grand Slam title winner and runner-up at the French Open in 2016, has undergone two hip surgeries to cure an injury which pushed him to the brink of retirement.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from AFP)</em></p>


Australian star Nick Kyrgios blasted on Mats Wilander and told him to "shut up". The Aussie said that nobody cares what he (Mats) thinks after the seven-time major winner controversially told Andy Murray to retire from tennis.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios blasted on Mats Wilander and told him to "shut up". The Aussie said that nobody cares what he (Mats) thinks after the seven-time major winner controversially told Andy Murray to retire from tennis. Also read: UAE's Al Nasr becomes first Arab club to sign Israeli footballer British player Murray slumped to his joint-worst defeat at a Grand Slam on Sunday with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 loss at the hands of Stan Wawrinka in the first round of Roland Garros. "I worry about Andy Murray. I would love to hear him say why he is out there, giving us a false sense of hope that he going to come back one day," Wilander told Eurosport. "I keep getting a little bit disappointed, is it his right to be out there doing that? Why? I did it and I shouldn't have, it was the biggest mistake I did in my career. I think Andy Murray needs to stop thinking of himself and start thinking about who he was. Does he have a right to be out there taking wildcards from the young players?" The Aussie (Kyrgios) defended the former world number one. Just read what Wilander said about @andy_murray .... shut up Mats, no one cares. Muzz, just know that how ever long you stay, we all appreciate and enjoy your tennis and banter. Also I’ve never watched a point of Mats Wilander. 😂🤦🏽‍♂️ — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 28, 2020 × "Just read what Wilander said about @andy_murray .... shut up Mats, no one cares," tweeted Kyrgios. "Muzz, just know that how ever long you stay, we all appreciate and enjoy your tennis and banter. Also I've never watched a point of Mats Wilander." Murray, a three-time Grand Slam title winner and runner-up at the French Open in 2016, has undergone two hip surgeries to cure an injury which pushed him to the brink of retirement. (Inputs from AFP)

'Shut up': Australia's Kyrgios blasts at Wilander over Murray remarks

<p>Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios trolled 17-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic by opening a Twitter poll on Monday asking how many years he would be banned if he had hit an official with a ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-top-seed-novak-djokovic-disqualified-from-us-open-after-hitting-judge-with-ball-325614" hreflang="en">Watch: Top-seed Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting judge with ball</a></p>

<p>The Aussie posted this poll after the Serbian was disqualified from the US Open for hitting a woman line judge in the throat with a ball bashed away in disgust after losing his serve.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Swap me for jokers incident. ‘Accidentally hitting the ball kid in the throat’ how many years would I be banned for?</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1302724712871518208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recently, Kyrgios lashed out at the World No 1 over his Adria Tour exhibition series where Djokovic along with several players contracted coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios himself has been hit with the 16-week ban last year for a series of on-court outbursts, jumped onto social media to ask his followers what would happen if he had hit the line judge.</p>

<p>"Swap me for jokers incident," he said, using Djokovic's nickname.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"'Accidentally hitting the ball kid in the throat.' How many years would I be banned for?" asked the Australian.</p>

<p>There were five options in the poll, 10 or 20 years with the poll attracting more than 60,000 answers in its first hour, with the majority voting for 20 years.</p>

<p>Most of the netizens took Kyrgios' tweet as a light-hearted dig at, while some were not impressed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s hilarious when it’s the mediocre players who always chime in.</p>
— Al Dente (@dystopianbloke) <a href="https://twitter.com/dystopianbloke/status/1302786916912230401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pathetic</p>
— PK (@pekaaaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/pekaaaj/status/1302724756593160199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">C’mon man, everyone knows hurting racquets is far worse than hurting people</p>
— Matt Gambardella (@MGambardella13) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGambardella13/status/1302724889225441282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios trolled 17-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic by opening a Twitter poll on Monday asking how many years he would be banned if he had hit an official with a ball.

Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios trolled 17-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic by opening a Twitter poll on Monday asking how many years he would be banned if he had hit an official with a ball. Also read: Watch: Top-seed Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting judge with ball The Aussie posted this poll after the Serbian was disqualified from the US Open for hitting a woman line judge in the throat with a ball bashed away in disgust after losing his serve. Swap me for jokers incident. ‘Accidentally hitting the ball kid in the throat’ how many years would I be banned for? — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 6, 2020 × Recently, Kyrgios lashed out at the World No 1 over his Adria Tour exhibition series where Djokovic along with several players contracted coronavirus. Kyrgios himself has been hit with the 16-week ban last year for a series of on-court outbursts, jumped onto social media to ask his followers what would happen if he had hit the line judge. "Swap me for jokers incident," he said, using Djokovic's nickname. "'Accidentally hitting the ball kid in the throat.' How many years would I be banned for?" asked the Australian. There were five options in the poll, 10 or 20 years with the poll attracting more than 60,000 answers in its first hour, with the majority voting for 20 years. Most of the netizens took Kyrgios' tweet as a light-hearted dig at, while some were not impressed. It’s hilarious when it’s the mediocre players who always chime in. — Al Dente (@dystopianbloke) September 7, 2020 × Pathetic — PK (@pekaaaj) September 6, 2020 × C’mon man, everyone knows hurting racquets is far worse than hurting people — Matt Gambardella (@MGambardella13) September 6, 2020 ×

'Swap me for jokers incident': Nick Kyrgios takes dig at Djokovic over US Open disqualification

<p>Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Djokovic, Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the dreaded virus in Serbia and Croatia and the ill-fated tour was later cancelled.</p>

<p>Coric, reacting to Kyrgios’ criticism over the Adria Tour, the lack of social distancing and the players’ behavior after the event, said he would have understood if someone else was giving lessons while downplaying what Kyrgios has been saying for months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japans-wta-pan-pacific-open-tennis-scrapped-over-coronavirus-316445" hreflang="en">Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>"I read what he wrote, but I simply don't care because he likes to be a general after a battle," Coric told Croatia's Jutarnji List newspaper.</p>

<p>"If someone else was teaching lessons I would have understood, but Kyrgios … it's somehow not realistic."</p>

<p>Kyrgios had earlier criticized Alexander Zverev after a video of the German dancing at a packed club went viral on social media despite the world no. seven promising he would self-isolate after his appearance at the Adria Tour.<br />
Coric agreed what Zverev did was bad but added that there’s no need to criticise fellow players.</p>

<p>"I agree that was not good, Zverev acted badly," said Coric. "But I don't see the need to criticise fellow players in such a way. I wouldn't do it, but again – it's Kyrgios."</p>

<p>The comment by Coric irked Kyrgios as the Aussie asked whether he has rocks inside his head, in a strong-worded tweet.</p>

<h2><strong>"Do you have rocks in your head?" - Kyrgios asks Coric</strong></h2>

<p>You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0,” Kyrgios wrote on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0 (🍩) <a href="https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77">https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1288333985626505216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Again, you can stand up for your mates, I'm just trying to hold them accountable. They are tennis players, they aren't special."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus. The likes of Djokovic, Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the dreaded virus in Serbia and Croatia and the ill-fated tour was later cancelled. Coric, reacting to Kyrgios’ criticism over the Adria Tour, the lack of social distancing and the players’ behavior after the event, said he would have understood if someone else was giving lessons while downplaying what Kyrgios has been saying for months. ALSO READ: Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus "I read what he wrote, but I simply don't care because he likes to be a general after a battle," Coric told Croatia's Jutarnji List newspaper. "If someone else was teaching lessons I would have understood, but Kyrgios … it's somehow not realistic." Kyrgios had earlier criticized Alexander Zverev after a video of the German dancing at a packed club went viral on social media despite the world no. seven promising he would self-isolate after his appearance at the Adria Tour. Coric agreed what Zverev did was bad but added that there’s no need to criticise fellow players. "I agree that was not good, Zverev acted badly," said Coric. "But I don't see the need to criticise fellow players in such a way. I wouldn't do it, but again – it's Kyrgios." The comment by Coric irked Kyrgios as the Aussie asked whether he has rocks inside his head, in a strong-worded tweet. "Do you have rocks in your head?" - Kyrgios asks Coric You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0,” Kyrgios wrote on Wednesday. You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0 (🍩) https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77 — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 29, 2020 × "Again, you can stand up for your mates, I'm just trying to hold them accountable. They are tennis players, they aren't special."

Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?'

<p>The coronavirus has turned sport on its head and nowhere more so than in tennis, where the often-controversial Nick Kyrgios has been anointed as "St. Nick" for his moral leadership during the pandemic.</p>

<p>Best known for his flamboyant persona and spectacular on-court tantrums, Kyrgios has long been a provocative and polarising figure as he racked up a string of fines and bans.</p>

<p>But the combustible Australian has shown a different side in recent weeks as he took Novak Djokovic and other top players to task for their "stupidity" and risky behaviour.</p>

<p>It followed the world number one's decision to press ahead with an exhibition tournament in the Balkans, where social distancing was minimal. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake," Kyrgios tweeted.</p>

<p>Kyrgios also lashed "selfish" Alexander Zverev after he was spotted partying despite vowing to self-isolate following Djokovic's Adria Tour, while questioning Dominic Thiem's intellect after the Austrian hit out at his criticism.</p>

<p>The exchanges follow Kyrgios's admirable, and often emotional, efforts to drum up support for victims of the devastating bushfires that ripped through Australia this year, earning him new respect.</p>

<p>Often lamented in the media as a loud mouth and wasted talent, Sydney's Daily Telegraph is now calling 40th-ranked Kyrgios the "voice of reason".</p>

<p>"Crazy events are happening every day in sport but the wackiest of all is Nick Kyrgios becoming a COVID crusader and the clear-thinking conscience of a twisted tennis world," it wrote recently. "St Nick. Moral guardian. Who'd a thunk it?"</p>

<p>Tennis great John Newcombe&nbsp;also praised him for calling out players flouting COVID-19 protocols, but suggested he should do so less publicly.</p>

<p>"I know when we were playing, if you had a problem you took it to the person. You didn't make it public. But it's a different world, I guess," he told reporters.</p>

<h2>- 'Cringeworthy' -</h2>

<p>The "new Nick" is not to everyone's liking, with some on social media suggesting he was using the pandemic to raise his profile and re-ignite feuds with players he doesn't get on with.</p>

<p>"He's trying to be relevant off the court cuz everyone knows he can't ever deliver on the court," said one user, while another suggested: "He's using the virus as an excuse to do what he's always done which is criticise other players on social media."</p>

<p>That criticism includes Djokovic, after last year Kyrgios said of the Serb: "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked."</p>

<p>"This whole celebration thing (blowing kisses to the crowd) that he does after matches, it's like so cringeworthy," he added.</p>

<p>Kyrgios also has history with Zverev, whom he enraged in January by provocatively performing push-ups when the German was serving double faults during the ATP Cup.</p>

<p>While Kyrgios, 25, will always have his knockers, he also has a big fanbase with 1.4 million Instagram followers and hundreds of thousands on Twitter.</p>

<p>As Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou noted this week: "He (Kyrgios) is one of the only guys beside the top three who fills up the stadiums."</p>

<p>"He is provocative and he exaggerates but that's how he is and that's why he is an interesting character and a lot of people like him," he added.</p>

<p>The Sydney Morning Herald suggested Kyrgios' COVID-19 criticisms were "part of an image-rebuild" that started with his bushfire fundraising after a series of on-court scandals last year.</p>

<p>"He has endorsements with Nike, Yonex and Beats headphones. Now that he is the world ambassador against tennis dickheads, he puts himself even more firmly into the hands of corporate image-makers," it wrote.</p>


The coronavirus has turned sport on its head and nowhere more so than in tennis, where the often-controversial Nick Kyrgios has been anointed as "St. Nick" for his moral leadership during the pandemic.

The coronavirus has turned sport on its head and nowhere more so than in tennis, where the often-controversial Nick Kyrgios has been anointed as "St. Nick" for his moral leadership during the pandemic. Best known for his flamboyant persona and spectacular on-court tantrums, Kyrgios has long been a provocative and polarising figure as he racked up a string of fines and bans. But the combustible Australian has shown a different side in recent weeks as he took Novak Djokovic and other top players to task for their "stupidity" and risky behaviour. It followed the world number one's decision to press ahead with an exhibition tournament in the Balkans, where social distancing was minimal. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19. "Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake," Kyrgios tweeted. Kyrgios also lashed "selfish" Alexander Zverev after he was spotted partying despite vowing to self-isolate following Djokovic's Adria Tour, while questioning Dominic Thiem's intellect after the Austrian hit out at his criticism. The exchanges follow Kyrgios's admirable, and often emotional, efforts to drum up support for victims of the devastating bushfires that ripped through Australia this year, earning him new respect. Often lamented in the media as a loud mouth and wasted talent, Sydney's Daily Telegraph is now calling 40th-ranked Kyrgios the "voice of reason". "Crazy events are happening every day in sport but the wackiest of all is Nick Kyrgios becoming a COVID crusader and the clear-thinking conscience of a twisted tennis world," it wrote recently. "St Nick. Moral guardian. Who'd a thunk it?" Tennis great John Newcombe also praised him for calling out players flouting COVID-19 protocols, but suggested he should do so less publicly. "I know when we were playing, if you had a problem you took it to the person. You didn't make it public. But it's a different world, I guess," he told reporters. - 'Cringeworthy' - The "new Nick" is not to everyone's liking, with some on social media suggesting he was using the pandemic to raise his profile and re-ignite feuds with players he doesn't get on with. "He's trying to be relevant off the court cuz everyone knows he can't ever deliver on the court," said one user, while another suggested: "He's using the virus as an excuse to do what he's always done which is criticise other players on social media." That criticism includes Djokovic, after last year Kyrgios said of the Serb: "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked." "This whole celebration thing (blowing kisses to the crowd) that he does after matches, it's like so cringeworthy," he added. Kyrgios also has history with Zverev, whom he enraged in January by provocatively performing push-ups when the German was serving double faults during the ATP Cup. While Kyrgios, 25, will always have his knockers, he also has a big fanbase with 1.4 million Instagram followers and hundreds of thousands on Twitter. As Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou noted this week: "He (Kyrgios) is one of the only guys beside the top three who fills up the stadiums." "He is provocative and he exaggerates but that's how he is and that's why he is an interesting character and a lot of people like him," he added. The Sydney Morning Herald suggested Kyrgios' COVID-19 criticisms were "part of an image-rebuild" that started with his bushfire fundraising after a series of on-court scandals last year. "He has endorsements with Nike, Yonex and Beats headphones. Now that he is the world ambassador against tennis dickheads, he puts himself even more firmly into the hands of corporate image-makers," it wrote.

'St. Nick' - how combustible Kyrgios became 'voice of reason'

<p>Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Boris Becker were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter on Tuesday after the Australian criticised Alexander Zverev after a video resurfaced showing him dancing in a crowd amid coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-selfish-can-you-be-nick-kyrgios-tears-apart-alexander-zverev-over-viral-party-video-at-crowded-club-309327" hreflang="en">'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club</a></p>

<p>Nick Kyrgios lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish”. Earlier last week, Zverev said he would be self-isolating himself after several players who participated in the controversial Adria Tour, were tested positive for COVID-19, including Novak Djokovic himself. While Zverev tested negative for the virus, he put out an apology for his participation in the events and promised to follow the self-isolation guidelines for 14 days.</p>

<p>The criticism angered six-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker. He took to Twitter and wrote: "Don't like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us... @NickKyrgios."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don’t like no <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rats</a> ! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us...<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/farfetch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@farfetch</a></p>
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBorisBecker/status/1277868426166505472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kyrgios was prompt in his reply: "For goodness sake Boris, I'm not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus. It's a global pandemic and if someone is as idiotic as Alex to do what he has done, I'll call him out for it. Simple."</p>

<p>"We all live in the pandemic called #Covid_19! It's terrible and it killed to many lives...we should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don't like #rats @NickKyrgios," Becker continued.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour raised many eyebrows as it allowed packed stands with no social distancing norms in place. It was followed by four participants including the organizer and player Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. The rest of the Adria Tour was cancelled after the results came out.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheBorisBecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBorisBecker</a> is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1277878843101966337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Djokovic has earlier defended himself against criticism over Adria Tour but apologized after fellow players and himself contracted the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rats? For holding someone accountable? Strange way to think of it champion, I'm just looking out for people. When my family and families all over the world have respectfully done the right thing," Kyrgios said, adding with a flourish:</p>

<p>"@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought ... can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though."</p>


Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Boris Becker were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter on Tuesday after the Australian criticised Alexander Zverev after a video resurfaced showing him dancing in a crowd amid coronavirus pandemic.

Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Boris Becker were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter on Tuesday after the Australian criticised Alexander Zverev after a video resurfaced showing him dancing in a crowd amid coronavirus pandemic. Also read: 'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club Nick Kyrgios lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish”. Earlier last week, Zverev said he would be self-isolating himself after several players who participated in the controversial Adria Tour, were tested positive for COVID-19, including Novak Djokovic himself. While Zverev tested negative for the virus, he put out an apology for his participation in the events and promised to follow the self-isolation guidelines for 14 days. The criticism angered six-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker. He took to Twitter and wrote: "Don't like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us... @NickKyrgios." Don’t like no #rats ! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us...@NickKyrgios @farfetch — Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 30, 2020 × Kyrgios was prompt in his reply: "For goodness sake Boris, I'm not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus. It's a global pandemic and if someone is as idiotic as Alex to do what he has done, I'll call him out for it. Simple." "We all live in the pandemic called #Covid_19! It's terrible and it killed to many lives...we should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don't like #rats @NickKyrgios," Becker continued. The Adria Tour raised many eyebrows as it allowed packed stands with no social distancing norms in place. It was followed by four participants including the organizer and player Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. The rest of the Adria Tour was cancelled after the results came out. @TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020 × Djokovic has earlier defended himself against criticism over Adria Tour but apologized after fellow players and himself contracted the virus. "Rats? For holding someone accountable? Strange way to think of it champion, I'm just looking out for people. When my family and families all over the world have respectfully done the right thing," Kyrgios said, adding with a flourish: "@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought ... can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though."

'Don't like no rats!': Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker indulge in war of words over Zverev video

<p>Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish” after video footage of the German went viral on social media. In the video, Zverev is seen partying at a crowded club in Monte Carlo when he was supposed to isolate himself.</p>

<p>Earlier last week, Zverev said he would be self-isolating himself after several players who participated in the controversial Adria Tour, were tested positive for COVID-19, including Novak Djokovic himself. While Zverev tested negative for the virus, he put out an apology for his participation in the events and promised to follow the self-isolation guidelines for 14 days.</p>

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— Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev/status/1275031791263535105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to Instagram, Kyrgios slammed Zverev by saying the German tennis star should have the “audacity” to isolate himself after announcing it on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282">Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>How selfish can you be?, asks&nbsp;Kyrgios</strong></h2>

<p>"I see more controversial things happening around the world, but one thing that stuck out for me was seeing Sasha Zverev, again man, again. How selfish can you be? How selfish can you be?</p>

<p>"If you have the audacity to put out a tweet that you made your management f---ing write on your behalf saying you're going to self-isolate for 14-days, and apologising to the general public for putting their health at risk - at least have the f---ing audacity to stay inside for 14 days. My god.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I mean. No doubt. Several different sources show Alexander Zverev at Anjuna Plage Private Club in Monte Carlo. <a href="https://t.co/sjZEx0i5n9">pic.twitter.com/sjZEx0i5n9</a></p>
— Simon Häring (@_shaering) <a href="https://twitter.com/_shaering/status/1277331355395899397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/half-of-tokyo-residents-oppose-olympics-in-2021-poll-309305" hreflang="en">Half of Tokyo residents oppose Olympics in 2021: poll</a></strong></p>

<p>"Have your girlfriend with you for 14 days. This tennis world's p---ing me off, seriously. How selfish can you all get?"</p>

<p>The Adria Tour raised many eyebrows as it allowed packed stands with no social distancing norms in place. It was followed by four participants including the organizer and player Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. The rest of the Adria Tour was cancelled after the results came out.</p>

<p>Djokovic has earlier defended himself against criticism over Adria Tour but apologized after fellow players and himself contracted the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons. We were wrong and it was too soon," Djokovic said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish” after video footage of the German went viral on social media.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish” after video footage of the German went viral on social media. In the video, Zverev is seen partying at a crowded club in Monte Carlo when he was supposed to isolate himself. Earlier last week, Zverev said he would be self-isolating himself after several players who participated in the controversial Adria Tour, were tested positive for COVID-19, including Novak Djokovic himself. While Zverev tested negative for the virus, he put out an apology for his participation in the events and promised to follow the self-isolation guidelines for 14 days. pic.twitter.com/egVyfJAS6H — Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) June 22, 2020 × Taking to Instagram, Kyrgios slammed Zverev by saying the German tennis star should have the “audacity” to isolate himself after announcing it on social media. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world How selfish can you be?, asks Kyrgios "I see more controversial things happening around the world, but one thing that stuck out for me was seeing Sasha Zverev, again man, again. How selfish can you be? How selfish can you be? "If you have the audacity to put out a tweet that you made your management f---ing write on your behalf saying you're going to self-isolate for 14-days, and apologising to the general public for putting their health at risk - at least have the f---ing audacity to stay inside for 14 days. My god. I mean. No doubt. Several different sources show Alexander Zverev at Anjuna Plage Private Club in Monte Carlo. pic.twitter.com/sjZEx0i5n9 — Simon Häring (@_shaering) June 28, 2020 × ALSO READ: Half of Tokyo residents oppose Olympics in 2021: poll "Have your girlfriend with you for 14 days. This tennis world's p---ing me off, seriously. How selfish can you all get?" The Adria Tour raised many eyebrows as it allowed packed stands with no social distancing norms in place. It was followed by four participants including the organizer and player Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. The rest of the Adria Tour was cancelled after the results came out. Djokovic has earlier defended himself against criticism over Adria Tour but apologized after fellow players and himself contracted the virus. "We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons. We were wrong and it was too soon," Djokovic said.

'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club

<p>Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios said that it is too early to begin the Grand Slam. The Aussie joined other players including Novak Djokovic for expressing disagreement on the move.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. <a href="https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB">https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1270963096022994944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment," Kyrgios said on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion."</p>

<p>"Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion."</p>

<p>Earlier, Novak Djokovic said that he might skip his tour to North America and will restart his tennis season in Europe, he complained about "severe" measures being put in place at the US Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: "Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going."</p>

<p>Spanish tennis ace and reigning US Open champion Rafa Nadal expressed similar feelings. Top-ranked woman Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon.</p>


Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests.

Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests. Kyrgios said that it is too early to begin the Grand Slam. The Aussie joined other players including Novak Djokovic for expressing disagreement on the move. The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 11, 2020 × "The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment," Kyrgios said on Twitter. "Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion." "Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion." Earlier, Novak Djokovic said that he might skip his tour to North America and will restart his tennis season in Europe, he complained about "severe" measures being put in place at the US Open. He said: "Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going." Spanish tennis ace and reigning US Open champion Rafa Nadal expressed similar feelings. Top-ranked woman Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon.

Nick Kyrgios calls ATP 'selfish' for going ahead with US Open

<p>Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship.</p>

<p>As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.</p>

<p>So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond.</p>

<p>"Rafa lets do Instagram live together.&nbsp;I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let's do it," wrote the Australian on Instagram.</p>

<p>Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court.</p>

<p>Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of "lacking respect" after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico.</p>

<p>Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was "super-salty".</p>

<p>They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.</p>


Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship. As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship. As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges. So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond. "Rafa lets do Instagram live together. I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let's do it," wrote the Australian on Instagram. Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court. Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of "lacking respect" after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico. Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was "super-salty". They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.

Kyrgios tells bitter rival Nadal: 'Let's do Insta'

<p>Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios has offered to deliver food to people finding themselves hungry during the coronavirus lockdown, his latest charitable effort after spearheading sporting donations to help Australia's bushfire crisis.</p>

<p>The Canberra-based Kyrgios, infamously outspoken and known for his fiery on-court antics, said he would personally drop food on doorsteps after COVID-19 restrictions closed down entire industries, forcing huge numbers of people out of work across Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Please don't go to sleep with an empty stomach," Kyrgios, the world number 40, posted on Instagram late Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don't be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I will be more than happy to share whatever I have.</p>

<p>"Even just for a box of noodles, a loaf of bread or milk. I will drop it off at your doorstep, no questions asked!" he said in a post which has already attracted more than 90,000 likes.</p>

<p>People queueing for welfare payments around the country have been likened to scenes from the Great Depression, as all non-essential business and travel are banned to contain the virus.</p>

<p>In January, Kyrgios led a bushfire relief campaign which raised millions of dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 24-year-old contributed Aus$200 (US$125) for every ace he hit across his home tennis summer, which ran until the end of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.</p>

<p>Players and Australian Open organisers also contributed to relief for the deadly fires, but it was Kyrgios who was seen as driving sport's fundraising efforts, gaining him new respect.</p>

<p>Kyrgios cited the crisis for changing his outlook on life in the wake of being handed a 16-week suspended ban in September 2019 for a series of outbursts.</p>

<p>"I guess it's just a perspective thing, isn't it?" he said. "Why am I really getting mad on the tennis court with everything going on?"</p>

<p>Since then, the year's next two Grand Slams have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic with the French Open postponed and Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.</p>

<p>There will be no professional tennis anywhere in the world until at least July 13 after the governing bodies ITF, ATP and WTA suspended all tournaments with coronavirus causing an almost complete shutdown of the global sporting calendar.</p>


Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios has offered to deliver food to people finding themselves hungry during the coronavirus lockdown, his latest charitable effort after spearheading sporting donations to help Australia's bushfire crisis.

Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios has offered to deliver food to people finding themselves hungry during the coronavirus lockdown, his latest charitable effort after spearheading sporting donations to help Australia's bushfire crisis. The Canberra-based Kyrgios, infamously outspoken and known for his fiery on-court antics, said he would personally drop food on doorsteps after COVID-19 restrictions closed down entire industries, forcing huge numbers of people out of work across Australia. "Please don't go to sleep with an empty stomach," Kyrgios, the world number 40, posted on Instagram late Monday. "Don't be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I will be more than happy to share whatever I have. "Even just for a box of noodles, a loaf of bread or milk. I will drop it off at your doorstep, no questions asked!" he said in a post which has already attracted more than 90,000 likes. People queueing for welfare payments around the country have been likened to scenes from the Great Depression, as all non-essential business and travel are banned to contain the virus. In January, Kyrgios led a bushfire relief campaign which raised millions of dollars. The 24-year-old contributed Aus$200 (US$125) for every ace he hit across his home tennis summer, which ran until the end of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open. Players and Australian Open organisers also contributed to relief for the deadly fires, but it was Kyrgios who was seen as driving sport's fundraising efforts, gaining him new respect. Kyrgios cited the crisis for changing his outlook on life in the wake of being handed a 16-week suspended ban in September 2019 for a series of outbursts. "I guess it's just a perspective thing, isn't it?" he said. "Why am I really getting mad on the tennis court with everything going on?" Since then, the year's next two Grand Slams have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic with the French Open postponed and Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II. There will be no professional tennis anywhere in the world until at least July 13 after the governing bodies ITF, ATP and WTA suspended all tournaments with coronavirus causing an almost complete shutdown of the global sporting calendar.

Nick Kyrgios offers to drop off food to hungry people during lockdown

<p>Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios in a grudge match of tennis in the Australian Open. The scores were 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spaniard was handed his first-ever set defeat in the tournament by the Aussie tennis ace Kyrgios.</p>

<p>Nick Kyrgios stepped in the court almost teary-eyed donning the Lakers jersey paying tribute to the late legend Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Competing with a heavy heart tonight 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/7mXMbWb8sh">pic.twitter.com/7mXMbWb8sh</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221708514755858437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Missed the warm-up?<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> paid homage to the late Kobe Bryant 8⃣💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/kTKniTJykw">pic.twitter.com/kTKniTJykw</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221716099303014402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kyrgios in his post-match conference talked about this tragic event that shook the sports world.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> reflects on the late Kobe Bryant and how he used the news to 'motivate' himself in his fourth round match up with Rafael Nadal.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/3a2Qeny0DT">pic.twitter.com/3a2Qeny0DT</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221785903028416512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/82wGbWfN3z">pic.twitter.com/82wGbWfN3z</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221770804419010560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The off-court rivalry between Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal started when the World No 1 &nbsp;(Nadal) called Kyrgios behaviour inappropriate and said that "he lacks respect". Kyrgios reverted by calling him "super salty". Recently, Nick Kyrgios mimicked Rafa's pre-serve routine during his match against Simon Gilles.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They don't call him the world No.1 for nothing ☝️🇪🇸<br />
<br />
After 3 hours and 38 minutes <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> def. Nick Kyrgios 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4) to advance to his 12th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> quarterfinal.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/a14tlkZWKt">pic.twitter.com/a14tlkZWKt</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221764153762877440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rafael Nadal reacted to this mimicry in his post-match press meet after winning the third round. He said: "I really don’t care. I am here to play tennis. Honestly, I don’t care at all. It was funny, good. That’s it,".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rafael Nadal after defeating the Australian showman was impressed by him. He praised Kyrgios for his good sportsman spirit. He was given good competition from the Australian.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"When he is focused on what he is doing, I think he is a very important player for our sport."<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> with some powerful praise for <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> after their fourth-round clash.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/fHXCGMFHZD">pic.twitter.com/fHXCGMFHZD</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221811935685087233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"When he is playing like today with this positive attitude he gives a lot of positive things to our sport," Nadal said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"He's one of the highest talents that we have on our tour."<br />
<br />
Respect from <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> towards opponent <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxU4G16C18">pic.twitter.com/DxU4G16C18</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1221767042337996800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He's one of the highest talents we have on our tour and I like the Nick Kyrgios during the whole of this tournament." the Spaniard added.</p>

<p>The 19-time Grand Slam winner will be eyeing Federer's 20 grand slam record. He is set to face Dominic Thiem. The Austrian was defeated twice in the French Open finals by the Spaniard.&nbsp;</p>


Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios in a grudge match of tennis in the Australian Open. The scores were 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4). The Spaniard was handed his first-ever set defeat in the tournament by the Aussie tennis ace Kyrgios.

Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios in a grudge match of tennis in the Australian Open. The scores were 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4). The Spaniard was handed his first-ever set defeat in the tournament by the Aussie tennis ace Kyrgios. Nick Kyrgios stepped in the court almost teary-eyed donning the Lakers jersey paying tribute to the late legend Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Monday. Competing with a heavy heart tonight 💔@NickKyrgios | #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7mXMbWb8sh — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × Missed the warm-up?@NickKyrgios paid homage to the late Kobe Bryant 8⃣💔#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/kTKniTJykw — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × Kyrgios in his post-match conference talked about this tragic event that shook the sports world. .@NickKyrgios reflects on the late Kobe Bryant and how he used the news to 'motivate' himself in his fourth round match up with Rafael Nadal.#AusOpen | #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/3a2Qeny0DT — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × .@RafaelNadal pays tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/82wGbWfN3z — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × The off-court rivalry between Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal started when the World No 1 (Nadal) called Kyrgios behaviour inappropriate and said that "he lacks respect". Kyrgios reverted by calling him "super salty". Recently, Nick Kyrgios mimicked Rafa's pre-serve routine during his match against Simon Gilles. They don't call him the world No.1 for nothing ☝️🇪🇸 After 3 hours and 38 minutes @RafaelNadal def. Nick Kyrgios 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4) to advance to his 12th #AusOpen quarterfinal.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/a14tlkZWKt — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × Rafael Nadal reacted to this mimicry in his post-match press meet after winning the third round. He said: "I really don’t care. I am here to play tennis. Honestly, I don’t care at all. It was funny, good. That’s it,". Rafael Nadal after defeating the Australian showman was impressed by him. He praised Kyrgios for his good sportsman spirit. He was given good competition from the Australian. "When he is focused on what he is doing, I think he is a very important player for our sport."@RafaelNadal with some powerful praise for @NickKyrgios after their fourth-round clash.#AusOpen | #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/fHXCGMFHZD — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × "When he is playing like today with this positive attitude he gives a lot of positive things to our sport," Nadal said. "He's one of the highest talents that we have on our tour." Respect from @RafaelNadal towards opponent @NickKyrgios 👊#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/DxU4G16C18 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020 × "He's one of the highest talents we have on our tour and I like the Nick Kyrgios during the whole of this tournament." the Spaniard added. The 19-time Grand Slam winner will be eyeing Federer's 20 grand slam record. He is set to face Dominic Thiem. The Austrian was defeated twice in the French Open finals by the Spaniard.

Australian Open: Rafa Nadal 'impressed' with Kyrgios performance, Spaniard moves to round four

<p>World number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadals-sweet-gesture-during-australian-open-match-melts-everyones-hearts-276308">Rafael Nadal</a> renews his rivalry with Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster fourth-round clash at the Australian Open on Monday, as the Spaniard prepares for the trickiest test of his Melbourne campaign. Nadal has not dropped a set so far as he bids for just his second title at Melbourne Park and was at his ruthless best to dismiss compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta and reach the last 16.</p>

<p>In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-maturing-kyrgios-pulls-back-from-dark-place-for-win-276238">Kyrgios</a>, however, he faces an opponent who has won two of their three previous matches on hardcourts. It will be the first singles meeting between the pair since last year's Wimbledon when the temperamental <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-cruises-to-round-three-after-beating-argentine-federico-delbonis-276232">Kyrgios</a>, who had previously described Nadal as a sore loser and "super salty", lost in four sets.</p>

<p>"When he plays good tennis and shows passion for this game, he's a positive player for our tour, and I want my tour bigger, not smaller," Nadal said when asked about Kyrgios, who has been placed on probation by the ATP for his behaviour.</p>

<p>"It's clear, of course, that when he does stuff that in my opinion is not good, I don't like." Kyrgios has shown a different side to his character in recent weeks, calling on the tennis world to help the victims of Australia's bushfire crisis and triggering an appeal that has raised more than $5.5 million.</p>

<p>After edging past Russia's Karen Khachanov in five sets to set up an eighth meeting with Nadal, he also had kind words for the 19-times Grand Slam champion.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nick-kyrgios-heats-up-things-by-mimicking-nadal-276255">Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios heats up things by mimicking Nadal</a></p>

<p><img alt="Rafael Nadal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="935ef6d2-3c8f-4db3-815f-10d09d2653a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2888%29_2.jpg" /><br />
<em>[&nbsp;World number one Rafael Nadal (Courtesy: AFP) ]</em></p>

<p>"I'm super excited honestly. Playing one of the greatest tennis players on centre court at your own slam, it's pretty damn cool," Kyrgios said.<br />
"It's going to be another physical battle. Nothing comes easy with him ... I'm looking forward to it. That's why you play."</p>

<p>Kyrgios had come under further scrutiny for mocking Nadal's pre-serve routine in his second-round match against Gilles Simon following a time violation, but the 24-year-old said he only had respect for the Spaniard.</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, we're two different players. We go about it completely different. After Wimbledon, I got beaten by the better player. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye and said 'too good,'" Kyrgios added. "Regardless, if we don't like each other or whatever, there's a layer of respect. He's one of the greatest of all time. I also read that he thinks I'm good for the sport.</p>

<p>"Doesn't necessarily mean we like each other, but ... we're going to go out there and give contrasting styles and personalities." In other matches, Dominic Thiem faces Gael Monfils, Daniil Medvedev meets Stan Wawrinka and Andrey Rublev squares off against Alexander Zverev.</p>

<p>In the women's draw, 2018 runner-up Simona Halep plays Elise Mertens, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova faces 17th seed Angelique Kerber while Garbine Muguruza meets Kiki Bertens.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


World number one Rafael Nadal renews his rivalry with Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster fourth-round clash at the Australian Open on Monday, as the Spaniard prepares for the trickiest test of his Melbourne campaign.

World number one Rafael Nadal renews his rivalry with Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster fourth-round clash at the Australian Open on Monday, as the Spaniard prepares for the trickiest test of his Melbourne campaign. Nadal has not dropped a set so far as he bids for just his second title at Melbourne Park and was at his ruthless best to dismiss compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta and reach the last 16. In Kyrgios, however, he faces an opponent who has won two of their three previous matches on hardcourts. It will be the first singles meeting between the pair since last year's Wimbledon when the temperamental Kyrgios, who had previously described Nadal as a sore loser and "super salty", lost in four sets. "When he plays good tennis and shows passion for this game, he's a positive player for our tour, and I want my tour bigger, not smaller," Nadal said when asked about Kyrgios, who has been placed on probation by the ATP for his behaviour. "It's clear, of course, that when he does stuff that in my opinion is not good, I don't like." Kyrgios has shown a different side to his character in recent weeks, calling on the tennis world to help the victims of Australia's bushfire crisis and triggering an appeal that has raised more than $5.5 million. After edging past Russia's Karen Khachanov in five sets to set up an eighth meeting with Nadal, he also had kind words for the 19-times Grand Slam champion. Also Read: Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios heats up things by mimicking Nadal [ World number one Rafael Nadal (Courtesy: AFP) ] "I'm super excited honestly. Playing one of the greatest tennis players on centre court at your own slam, it's pretty damn cool," Kyrgios said. "It's going to be another physical battle. Nothing comes easy with him ... I'm looking forward to it. That's why you play." Kyrgios had come under further scrutiny for mocking Nadal's pre-serve routine in his second-round match against Gilles Simon following a time violation, but the 24-year-old said he only had respect for the Spaniard. "At the end of the day, we're two different players. We go about it completely different. After Wimbledon, I got beaten by the better player. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye and said 'too good,'" Kyrgios added. "Regardless, if we don't like each other or whatever, there's a layer of respect. He's one of the greatest of all time. I also read that he thinks I'm good for the sport. "Doesn't necessarily mean we like each other, but ... we're going to go out there and give contrasting styles and personalities." In other matches, Dominic Thiem faces Gael Monfils, Daniil Medvedev meets Stan Wawrinka and Andrey Rublev squares off against Alexander Zverev. In the women's draw, 2018 runner-up Simona Halep plays Elise Mertens, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova faces 17th seed Angelique Kerber while Garbine Muguruza meets Kiki Bertens.

'New Nick' Kyrgios vs Rafael Nadal in fourth-round blockbuster

<p>Nick Kyrgios has reached the third round of the Australian Open in style, after beating Frenchman Simon Gille.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What caught the eye was both players mimicking Nadal's service routine when they were given time violations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios might face Nadal in the fourth round.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> tells you to get out, you get out.<br />
<br />
Home Slam Advantage 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/gbxQTAL3og">pic.twitter.com/gbxQTAL3og</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220265468696637442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Aussie tennis player Kyrgios's relationship with World No 1 Nadal has not been hidden from the world.</p>

<p>They share a sour relationship. Their rivalry off-court began after Nadal was irritated with Kygrios' underarm serve in Acapulco last year, to which Nadal said that he 'lacks respect'.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> doing what Rafael Nadal does best 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/lSVJxmAba8">pic.twitter.com/lSVJxmAba8</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220290760542752768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following this, Nick did not hesitate to call the Spaniard 'super-salty'. During the Wimbledon match between the two, Kyrgios' bad behaviour during the match came in light.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios has also criticised Nadal for the time he takes between points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When he was asked about who did a better impression of the Spaniard, he said: "I don't wear underwear, so probably Gilles'."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The man who started it all lays down five aces to add $500 to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aces4BushfireRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aces4BushfireRelief</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> takes the first set 6-2.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/TnLQLbVTUa">pic.twitter.com/TnLQLbVTUa</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220263864924884992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two have met 7 times on the tennis court, in which Nadal leads 4-3 over the Aussie. Kyrgios, However, edges past Rafael Nadal 2-1 on hard courts. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The two might not agree on everything, but one thing they stood together is for the relief efforts for Australian Bushfire relief workers. Nadal and Kygios have donated a generous amount for the relief funds in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nadal, along with Roger Federer decided to donate $250,000 in the 'Rally for relief' initiative before the commencement of the tournament.</p>

<p>Aussie Showman promised A$200 per ace, he hit 28 aces against Simon.</p>

<p>Former tennis legend John McEnroe has also said he will contribute A$1,000 to the appeal for each set Kyrgios wins in the tournament.</p>


Nick Kyrgios has reached the third round of the Australian Open in style, after beating Frenchman Simon Gille. What caught the eye was both players mimicking Nadal's service routine when they were given time violations.

Nick Kyrgios has reached the third round of the Australian Open in style, after beating Frenchman Simon Gille. What caught the eye was both players mimicking Nadal's service routine when they were given time violations. Kyrgios might face Nadal in the fourth round. When @NickKyrgios tells you to get out, you get out. Home Slam Advantage 😁#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/gbxQTAL3og — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × Aussie tennis player Kyrgios's relationship with World No 1 Nadal has not been hidden from the world. They share a sour relationship. Their rivalry off-court began after Nadal was irritated with Kygrios' underarm serve in Acapulco last year, to which Nadal said that he 'lacks respect'. Just @RafaelNadal doing what Rafael Nadal does best 💯#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/lSVJxmAba8 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × Following this, Nick did not hesitate to call the Spaniard 'super-salty'. During the Wimbledon match between the two, Kyrgios' bad behaviour during the match came in light. Kyrgios has also criticised Nadal for the time he takes between points. When he was asked about who did a better impression of the Spaniard, he said: "I don't wear underwear, so probably Gilles'." The man who started it all lays down five aces to add $500 to #Aces4BushfireRelief.@NickKyrgios takes the first set 6-2.#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/TnLQLbVTUa — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × The two have met 7 times on the tennis court, in which Nadal leads 4-3 over the Aussie. Kyrgios, However, edges past Rafael Nadal 2-1 on hard courts. The two might not agree on everything, but one thing they stood together is for the relief efforts for Australian Bushfire relief workers. Nadal and Kygios have donated a generous amount for the relief funds in Australia. Nadal, along with Roger Federer decided to donate $250,000 in the 'Rally for relief' initiative before the commencement of the tournament. Aussie Showman promised A$200 per ace, he hit 28 aces against Simon. Former tennis legend John McEnroe has also said he will contribute A$1,000 to the appeal for each set Kyrgios wins in the tournament.

Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios heats up things by mimicking Nadal

<p>Showman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../melbourne-park-ready-to-embrace-the-kyrgios- that-cares-275257">Nick Kyrgios</a> admitted Thursday he was on the verge of going "to a very dark place", but he put his head down to pull off a confidence-boosting win over Frenchman Gilles Simon at the Australian Open.</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-cruises-to-round-three-after-beating-argentine-federico-delbonis-276232">Australian Open: Nadal cruises to round three after beating Argentine Federico Delbonis</a></p>

<p>The 24-year-old had the measure of the veteran early on then lost concentration and became agitated before refocusing to win 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 on his favoured Melbourne Arena.</p>

<p>It set up a third-round clash with Russian 16th seed Karen Khachanov who beat Sweden's Mikael Ymer in five sets, with the winner on course to meet world number one Rafael&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;in round four.</p>

<p>"I definitely lost my way a little bit... but I decided to refocus," Kyrgios said of his mini-meltdown in the third set. "I could have gone to a very dark place in the fourth set.</p>

<p>"I put my head down, I told myself, 'Just cut the bullshit and just get to work'. I got the break at 5-all. It was a good feeling to get through that."</p>

<p>And in a sign of a new-found maturity, he apologised to his player box after admonishing them when he was under pressure in the third set.</p>

<p>"I apologised as soon as I went back into the locker room. They don't deserve that," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The whole tennis world is behind it now... everyone deserves a bit of praise." <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> leading from the front for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aces4BushfireRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aces4BushfireRelief</a> fund 👏<br />
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Join Nick and others here: <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB">https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/EQuoGbbgUU">pic.twitter.com/EQuoGbbgUU</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220302111034019840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"They do a lot of things for me on and off the court. No, it's not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them."</p>

<p>Kyrgios has spoken of how the bushfire crisis in his homeland has given him perspective and focus, and that he felt he was playing for the nation rather than just himself.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nick reigns supreme 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> holds firm against Gilles Simon, def. the Frenchman 6-2 6-4 4-6 7-5 and reaching the third round at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> for the fourth time.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/LsSeFKzPDf">pic.twitter.com/LsSeFKzPDf</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220299978310070275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>And with the roars of the crowd ringing in his ears, he broke the Frenchman in the first game and consolidated by holding serve.</p>

<p>Kyrgios looked sharp and broke again for 5-2 then served out the set, sending down five aces and, crucially, making only two unforced errors.</p>

<p>Simon was struggling with his serve and the Australian broke again for a 1-0 lead in the second set, making some big shots when it counted.</p>

<p>It went with serve before Kyrgios, watched again by his ATP Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, won the set with another rocket serve.</p>

<p>He broke Simon again early in the third set, letting out a huge "C'mon!"</p>

<p>But the Frenchman broke back as Kyrgios started to lose concentration in game eight, berating himself and gesturing to his box as frustrations kicked in.</p>

<p>He lost the set as his focus drifted and he yelled at his box: "Of all the things you could say, 'Stay tough'. Thanks, man, thanks. That's what I get, every breakpoint, 'Stay tough'. Wow."</p>

<p>But the Australian conquered his mental demons to regroup, getting a crucial break to go 6-5 up in the fourth and completing victory with a big ace, his 28th of the match.</p>

<p>"I feel good physically. That's probably the positive I take out of today," said Kyrgios.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Long rallies, long match... I feel fine at the moment."</p>


Showman Nick Kyrgios admitted Thursday he was on the verge of going "to a very dark place", but he put his head down to pull off a confidence-boosting win over Frenchman Gilles Simon at the Australian Open.

Showman Nick Kyrgios admitted Thursday he was on the verge of going "to a very dark place", but he put his head down to pull off a confidence-boosting win over Frenchman Gilles Simon at the Australian Open. Also read- Australian Open: Nadal cruises to round three after beating Argentine Federico Delbonis The 24-year-old had the measure of the veteran early on then lost concentration and became agitated before refocusing to win 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 on his favoured Melbourne Arena. It set up a third-round clash with Russian 16th seed Karen Khachanov who beat Sweden's Mikael Ymer in five sets, with the winner on course to meet world number one Rafael Nadal in round four. "I definitely lost my way a little bit... but I decided to refocus," Kyrgios said of his mini-meltdown in the third set. "I could have gone to a very dark place in the fourth set. "I put my head down, I told myself, 'Just cut the bullshit and just get to work'. I got the break at 5-all. It was a good feeling to get through that." And in a sign of a new-found maturity, he apologised to his player box after admonishing them when he was under pressure in the third set. "I apologised as soon as I went back into the locker room. They don't deserve that," he said. "The whole tennis world is behind it now... everyone deserves a bit of praise." @NickKyrgios leading from the front for the #Aces4BushfireRelief fund 👏 Join Nick and others here: https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EQuoGbbgUU — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × "They do a lot of things for me on and off the court. No, it's not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them." Kyrgios has spoken of how the bushfire crisis in his homeland has given him perspective and focus, and that he felt he was playing for the nation rather than just himself. Nick reigns supreme 🙌@NickKyrgios holds firm against Gilles Simon, def. the Frenchman 6-2 6-4 4-6 7-5 and reaching the third round at the #AusOpen for the fourth time.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/LsSeFKzPDf — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × And with the roars of the crowd ringing in his ears, he broke the Frenchman in the first game and consolidated by holding serve. Kyrgios looked sharp and broke again for 5-2 then served out the set, sending down five aces and, crucially, making only two unforced errors. Simon was struggling with his serve and the Australian broke again for a 1-0 lead in the second set, making some big shots when it counted. It went with serve before Kyrgios, watched again by his ATP Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, won the set with another rocket serve. He broke Simon again early in the third set, letting out a huge "C'mon!" But the Frenchman broke back as Kyrgios started to lose concentration in game eight, berating himself and gesturing to his box as frustrations kicked in. He lost the set as his focus drifted and he yelled at his box: "Of all the things you could say, 'Stay tough'. Thanks, man, thanks. That's what I get, every breakpoint, 'Stay tough'. Wow." But the Australian conquered his mental demons to regroup, getting a crucial break to go 6-5 up in the fourth and completing victory with a big ace, his 28th of the match. "I feel good physically. That's probably the positive I take out of today," said Kyrgios. "Long rallies, long match... I feel fine at the moment."

Australian Open: Maturing Kyrgios pulls back from 'dark place' for win

<p>Amanda Anisimova burst into tears in the post-match media conference after she was asked about her father, &nbsp;the American rising star bowed out of the first round of the Australian Open this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She was playing her first major Grand Slam post her father's untimed demise. Her father died due to a heart attack. The shocking tragedy took place just before the 2019 US Open.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Missing you 🕊😞</p>
— Amanda Anisimova (@AnisimovaAmanda) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnisimovaAmanda/status/1214866902675116040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>World No 21 Amanda was beaten (6-3, 4-6, 6-3) by World No 73 Zarina Diyas in an upset.</p>

<p>After the match ended a reporter asked her if she 'felt unsettled' after the tragedy, where she replied while fighting her tears"Do we really have to talk about this so fast after a match?".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reporter&nbsp;who asked her the question immediately apologized for the question.</p>

<p>Her mixed-double partner Nick Kyrgios blasted at the media after this incident. He called it 'cruel'.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This makes me so mad. Have a heart and please feel, it’s not fair. Keep your head up Amanda ❤️🙏🏽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/alwayswatching?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#alwayswatching</a> <a href="https://t.co/gaoA8SlOFY">https://t.co/gaoA8SlOFY</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1219598571311259648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nick Kyrgios has also proceeded to the next round. The young Australian has promised A$200 per ace this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 18-year-old displayed her skills when she beat World No 3 Simona Halep in the French Open quarterfinals. But she was beaten by the then French Champion Ashleigh Barty in semis.</p>

<p>Anisimova was seen as a prodigy after the match, Nike signed the teen for a long term deal for $102 million. The deal was compared to that of Maria Sharapova's.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Amanda Anisimova burst into tears in the post-match media conference after she was asked about her father, the American rising star bowed out of the first round of the Australian Open this year.

Amanda Anisimova burst into tears in the post-match media conference after she was asked about her father, the American rising star bowed out of the first round of the Australian Open this year. She was playing her first major Grand Slam post her father's untimed demise. Her father died due to a heart attack. The shocking tragedy took place just before the 2019 US Open. Missing you 🕊😞 — Amanda Anisimova (@AnisimovaAmanda) January 8, 2020 × World No 21 Amanda was beaten (6-3, 4-6, 6-3) by World No 73 Zarina Diyas in an upset. After the match ended a reporter asked her if she 'felt unsettled' after the tragedy, where she replied while fighting her tears"Do we really have to talk about this so fast after a match?". The reporter who asked her the question immediately apologized for the question. Her mixed-double partner Nick Kyrgios blasted at the media after this incident. He called it 'cruel'. This makes me so mad. Have a heart and please feel, it’s not fair. Keep your head up Amanda ❤️🙏🏽 #alwayswatching https://t.co/gaoA8SlOFY — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 21, 2020 × Nick Kyrgios has also proceeded to the next round. The young Australian has promised A$200 per ace this month. The 18-year-old displayed her skills when she beat World No 3 Simona Halep in the French Open quarterfinals. But she was beaten by the then French Champion Ashleigh Barty in semis. Anisimova was seen as a prodigy after the match, Nike signed the teen for a long term deal for $102 million. The deal was compared to that of Maria Sharapova's.

Tennis: Amanda Anisimova bursts out in tears when asked about father, Kygrios calls it cruel

<p>Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-and-williams-lead-way-to-raise-funds-for-relief-workers-in-australia-273899">Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires</a></p>

<p>Nadal announced about the donations in&nbsp;the "Rally for Relief" event in Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rally4Relief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rally4Relief</a><br />
<br />
To contribute: <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB">https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB</a> <a href="https://t.co/ocdiw8D0if">pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1217378578188447745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twenty-three times Serena Williams and Australian Open&nbsp;defending champion Novak Djokovic also took part in the event.</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman</a></p>

<p>Rafa Nadal, after the exhibition match, said: "Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover all the things that we need,”.</p>

<p>Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons in decades, with fires killing more than 28 people and destroying at least 2000 homes. Wildlife in&nbsp;Australia in the worst hit, nearly half a billion animals have perished in the bushfires.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Australian Open's qualifiers were disrupted for the second successive day because of the thick grey hazy in the morning due to the smoke of the bushfire. This was followed by smog-clearing rain.</p>

<p>The ATP &nbsp;pledged A$750,000 to the WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts the as announced by Novak Djokovic and Nadal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> for your generous donation of $750,000 to World Wildlife Fund 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/roB1yMZy94">pic.twitter.com/roB1yMZy94</a></p>
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1216367121443311617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Serena Williams had pledged to donate all of her winning amounts after she won the Auckland Open. She won $43,000</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace he hits this month. Nick Kyrgios hit the most aces (69) in the ATP cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament will be played between January 20 to February 2.</p>


Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts.

Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts. Also see- Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires Nadal announced about the donations in the "Rally for Relief" event in Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena. Also see- Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze "Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏#Rally4Relief To contribute: https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2020 × Twenty-three times Serena Williams and Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic also took part in the event. Also read- Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman Rafa Nadal, after the exhibition match, said: "Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover all the things that we need,”. Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons in decades, with fires killing more than 28 people and destroying at least 2000 homes. Wildlife in Australia in the worst hit, nearly half a billion animals have perished in the bushfires. × Australian Open's qualifiers were disrupted for the second successive day because of the thick grey hazy in the morning due to the smoke of the bushfire. This was followed by smog-clearing rain. The ATP pledged A$750,000 to the WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts the as announced by Novak Djokovic and Nadal. Thank you @atptour, @DjokerNole and @RafaelNadal for your generous donation of $750,000 to World Wildlife Fund 🙏#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/roB1yMZy94 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 12, 2020 × Serena Williams had pledged to donate all of her winning amounts after she won the Auckland Open. She won $43,000 The 24-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace he hits this month. Nick Kyrgios hit the most aces (69) in the ATP cup. The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament will be played between January 20 to February 2.

Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief

<p>Untested Australia doubles pairing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Alex De Minaur</a> and Nick Kyrgios saved four match points before sealing a nail-biting win in the deciding match of their quarter-final clash with Great Britain at the inaugural&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;team event on Thursday.</p>

<p>The Australian duo, better known for their singles play, defeated doubles specialists Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury 3-6 6-3 18-16 to set up a semi-final against either <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">Rafael Nadal</a>-led Spain or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-destroys-david-goffin-to-reach-semis-234792">David Goffin</a>'s Belgium.</p>

<p>In something resembling both a hug and a wrestle, De Minaur and Kyrgios fell to the ground in a celebratory embrace after edging the half-hour-long extended tiebreak, used in place of a deciding third set.</p>

<p>"That was the most stressful tie-breaker I've ever been involved in," Kyrgios said in an on-court interview after the match. "I'll definitely be having a couple of red wines tonight."</p>

<p>The pair were subbed in by team captain Lleyton Hewitt at the last moment after the teams split the two singles matches, a decision he attributed to Kyrgios' irresistible form.</p>

<p>While Kyrgios' on-court behaviour often raised hackles, few handle pressure moments as well as he did on Thursday. Facing a match point in the doubles tiebreak, he ripped a backhand winner off a serve down a narrow gap.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Kyrgios was too strong for London-based left-hander Cameron Norrie, winning 6-2 6-2, while Britain's Dan Evans then outlasted the top 20-ranked De Minaur 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(2).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-beats-alexander-zverev-to-win-acapulco-title-200862">Kyrgios</a> said after his comfortable victory that he wasn't happy with his serving rhythm, although he did successfully use an underarm serve that appeared to confuse his British opponent, who was looking out for the tactic to be redeployed throughout the match.</p>

<p>"Anytime is a match where the opponent stops thinking about what he needs to do ...I think I have an edge straight away," said Kyrgios.</p>

<p>Krygios has previously employed the obscure but long-used tactic, notably against Nadal, the world's top player, who has criticised the Australian's on-court behaviour.</p>

<p>"If it gets in Rafa's head, then it's a success," Kyrgios said after Thursday's match.</p>

<p>De Minaur and Evans split the opening sets, setting up a third set contest that went to a tiebreak. Britain's top player used his all-court game to press his younger opponent and successfully employed serve-and-volley tactics at key moments.</p>

<p>De Minaur saved four match points before Evans eventually secured a morale-boosting victory weeks out from the Australian Open.</p>

<p>Hewitt then made the prescient call to put the 20-year-old immediately back out on court, partnered with Kyrgios, instead of doubles specialists.</p>

<p>"You have five minutes to decide after the second singles," said Hewitt, who added that Kyrgios' form was too good to leave him out of the deciding match.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Untested Australia doubles pairing Alex De Minaur and Nick Kyrgios saved four match points before sealing a nail-biting win in the deciding match of their quarter-final clash with Great Britain at the inaugural ATP Cup team event on Thursday.

Untested Australia doubles pairing Alex De Minaur and Nick Kyrgios saved four match points before sealing a nail-biting win in the deciding match of their quarter-final clash with Great Britain at the inaugural ATP Cup team event on Thursday. The Australian duo, better known for their singles play, defeated doubles specialists Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury 3-6 6-3 18-16 to set up a semi-final against either Rafael Nadal-led Spain or David Goffin's Belgium. In something resembling both a hug and a wrestle, De Minaur and Kyrgios fell to the ground in a celebratory embrace after edging the half-hour-long extended tiebreak, used in place of a deciding third set. "That was the most stressful tie-breaker I've ever been involved in," Kyrgios said in an on-court interview after the match. "I'll definitely be having a couple of red wines tonight." The pair were subbed in by team captain Lleyton Hewitt at the last moment after the teams split the two singles matches, a decision he attributed to Kyrgios' irresistible form. While Kyrgios' on-court behaviour often raised hackles, few handle pressure moments as well as he did on Thursday. Facing a match point in the doubles tiebreak, he ripped a backhand winner off a serve down a narrow gap. Earlier, Kyrgios was too strong for London-based left-hander Cameron Norrie, winning 6-2 6-2, while Britain's Dan Evans then outlasted the top 20-ranked De Minaur 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(2). Kyrgios said after his comfortable victory that he wasn't happy with his serving rhythm, although he did successfully use an underarm serve that appeared to confuse his British opponent, who was looking out for the tactic to be redeployed throughout the match. "Anytime is a match where the opponent stops thinking about what he needs to do ...I think I have an edge straight away," said Kyrgios. Krygios has previously employed the obscure but long-used tactic, notably against Nadal, the world's top player, who has criticised the Australian's on-court behaviour. "If it gets in Rafa's head, then it's a success," Kyrgios said after Thursday's match. De Minaur and Evans split the opening sets, setting up a third set contest that went to a tiebreak. Britain's top player used his all-court game to press his younger opponent and successfully employed serve-and-volley tactics at key moments. De Minaur saved four match points before Evans eventually secured a morale-boosting victory weeks out from the Australian Open. Hewitt then made the prescient call to put the 20-year-old immediately back out on court, partnered with Kyrgios, instead of doubles specialists. "You have five minutes to decide after the second singles," said Hewitt, who added that Kyrgios' form was too good to leave him out of the deciding match.

Australia oust Britain in knife-edge ATP Cup quarter-final

<p>Roger Federer maintained his 100% Laver Cup record against Nick Kyrgios on Saturday with a thrilling 6-7(5) 7-5 10-7 victory over the Australian to give Team Europe a 5-3 lead.</p>

<p>Playing in front of 17,000 fans in Geneva, home favourite Federer beat Kyrgios for the third time in as many editions of the competition to take Europe closer to the 13-point victory target ahead of the night session that features Rafa Nadal.</p>

<p>"It was really close that first set so it was tough to lose," 20-times Grand Slam winner Federer said.</p>

<p>"The crowd could feel it, I could feel it. I needed to get some energy going but you can't do that if you don't play any good shots and Nick was playing very well.</p>

<p>"I was just trying to stay focused. If you can turn the momentum, the crowd gets back into it and I need some earplugs next time, it was just phenomenal."</p>

<p>Earlier, John Isner scored a 6-7(2) 6-4 10-1 victory over German Alexander Zverev to help Team World draw level with Team Europe at three points apiece.</p>

<p>With two points up for grabs for victories on the second day of the tournament in Geneva, Zverev looked on course to extend Europe's 3-1 lead from Friday after edging a tight first set in the tiebreak.</p>

<p>However, the towering Isner battled back in the second set and broke to go ahead 5-4 with a lunging volley, then dragged the contest into a decider which he dominated.</p>

<p>"I wasn't making any inroads on his serve at all and he was the better player for 85% of that match," American Isner said.</p>

<p>"Of course, I got a little lucky at 4-4 but once I got up 5-4, I had a lot of momentum, and I think I showed that in the tiebreaker."</p>

<p>Nadal faces Milos Raonic in the third singles match before the Spaniard teams up with Stefanos Tsitsipas to take on the Team World pair of Kyrgios and Jack Sock.</p>


Roger Federer maintained his 100% Laver Cup record against Nick Kyrgios on Saturday with a thrilling 6-7(5) 7-5 10-7 victory over the Australian to give Team Europe a 5-3 lead.

Roger Federer maintained his 100% Laver Cup record against Nick Kyrgios on Saturday with a thrilling 6-7(5) 7-5 10-7 victory over the Australian to give Team Europe a 5-3 lead. Playing in front of 17,000 fans in Geneva, home favourite Federer beat Kyrgios for the third time in as many editions of the competition to take Europe closer to the 13-point victory target ahead of the night session that features Rafa Nadal. "It was really close that first set so it was tough to lose," 20-times Grand Slam winner Federer said. "The crowd could feel it, I could feel it. I needed to get some energy going but you can't do that if you don't play any good shots and Nick was playing very well. "I was just trying to stay focused. If you can turn the momentum, the crowd gets back into it and I need some earplugs next time, it was just phenomenal." Earlier, John Isner scored a 6-7(2) 6-4 10-1 victory over German Alexander Zverev to help Team World draw level with Team Europe at three points apiece. With two points up for grabs for victories on the second day of the tournament in Geneva, Zverev looked on course to extend Europe's 3-1 lead from Friday after edging a tight first set in the tiebreak. However, the towering Isner battled back in the second set and broke to go ahead 5-4 with a lunging volley, then dragged the contest into a decider which he dominated. "I wasn't making any inroads on his serve at all and he was the better player for 85% of that match," American Isner said. "Of course, I got a little lucky at 4-4 but once I got up 5-4, I had a lot of momentum, and I think I showed that in the tiebreaker." Nadal faces Milos Raonic in the third singles match before the Spaniard teams up with Stefanos Tsitsipas to take on the Team World pair of Kyrgios and Jack Sock.

Roger Federer keeps Team Europe ahead in Laver Cup with win over Kyrgios

<p>Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 by the ATP for arguing with the chair umpire and smashing two rackets during his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The fines included five charges of unsportsmanlike conduct totalling $85,000, $20,000 for verbal abuse, $5,000 for audible obscenity and $3,000 for leaving the court.</p>

<p>"In addition to the on-site fines, the ATP is looking further into what happened during and immediately after the match to see if additional action is warranted," the governing body said in a statement.</p>

<p>"That could result in an additional fine and/or suspension."</p>

<p>The fine represents 10 per cent&nbsp;of the Australian's earnings for the year in which he has won two titles -- the Acapulco International in March and this month's Citi Open in Washington.</p>

<p>A suspension could impact his ability to compete at the US&nbsp;Open although it is unclear whether the tournament organisers would honour the suspension if it is handed down.</p>

<p>Kyrgios clashed with umpire Fergus Murphy in the second set of the night match against Russian Karen Khachanov, accusing Murphy of starting the shot clock too early.</p>

<p>He was ultimately issued a point penalty at the end of the second set tiebreak for insulting the Irish umpire and shouted that Murphy was "the worst ref ever."</p>

<p>"Every single time I play he's doing some stupid (expletive)," he bellowed.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old then left the court for what he deemed a bathroom break, despite protests from Murphy, and television pictures showed him smashing two rackets in the tunnel.</p>

<p>Kyrgios left the court without shaking Murphy's hand.</p>

<p>He had clashed with the Irish official two weeks ago at the Washington Open and was also fined by the ATP after being embroiled in an expletive-ridden rant with Murphy at the Queen's Club Wimbledon warm-up tournament in June.</p>


Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 by the ATP for arguing with the chair umpire and smashing two rackets during his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 by the ATP for arguing with the chair umpire and smashing two rackets during his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday. The fines included five charges of unsportsmanlike conduct totalling $85,000, $20,000 for verbal abuse, $5,000 for audible obscenity and $3,000 for leaving the court. "In addition to the on-site fines, the ATP is looking further into what happened during and immediately after the match to see if additional action is warranted," the governing body said in a statement. "That could result in an additional fine and/or suspension." The fine represents 10 per cent of the Australian's earnings for the year in which he has won two titles -- the Acapulco International in March and this month's Citi Open in Washington. A suspension could impact his ability to compete at the US Open although it is unclear whether the tournament organisers would honour the suspension if it is handed down. Kyrgios clashed with umpire Fergus Murphy in the second set of the night match against Russian Karen Khachanov, accusing Murphy of starting the shot clock too early. He was ultimately issued a point penalty at the end of the second set tiebreak for insulting the Irish umpire and shouted that Murphy was "the worst ref ever." "Every single time I play he's doing some stupid (expletive)," he bellowed. The 24-year-old then left the court for what he deemed a bathroom break, despite protests from Murphy, and television pictures showed him smashing two rackets in the tunnel. Kyrgios left the court without shaking Murphy's hand. He had clashed with the Irish official two weeks ago at the Washington Open and was also fined by the ATP after being embroiled in an expletive-ridden rant with Murphy at the Queen's Club Wimbledon warm-up tournament in June.

Nick Kyrgios fined $113,000 for Cincinnati outburst

<p>Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Australian won 7-6(6), 7-6(4) over a frustrated world number nine Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory. Kyrgios did not face a single break point and hit 18 aces, including two to close out the final.</p>

<p>"It's great to get the win, but I proved to myself and a lot of people backing me that I still have it and can produce at the highest level," said Kyrgios, who defeated the tournament's number one seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Saturday's semi-final.</p>

<p>"This week is probably one of the best weeks of my life in tennis," the 24-year-old said.</p>

<p>Kyrgios, mixing baseline rallies with drop shots, came from 4-1 down in the opening tiebreak to win it and took a medical time-out after the set, which seemed to help relieve the back spasms that had him stretching on the court during changeovers.</p>

<p>"I had some back spasms on the right side of my back," the Australian said. "I haven't played that much tennis in the last couple of months so this week the load has been pretty stressful."</p>

<p>The tension of the match no doubt added to the stress.</p>

<p>"We got very lucky to get out of the first set," Kyrgios said. "It was 5-2 and I got pretty lucky on some of those points. It could have easily him standing in this position."</p>

<p>He still had trouble with Medvedev's serve, the Russian winning 80% of his service points for the match.</p>

<p>Kyrgios eventually tied the second set at 6-6 and claimed the victory, his second of the year, in another tiebreak.</p>

<p>Before serving for the win, the Australian, as he had done twice previously in the match, went to a spectator to consult on where to serve.</p>

<p>Kyrgios then delivered a rocket for the win and fell on his back in relief.</p>


Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday. The Australian won 7-6(6), 7-6(4) over a frustrated world number nine Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory.

Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday. The Australian won 7-6(6), 7-6(4) over a frustrated world number nine Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory. Kyrgios did not face a single break point and hit 18 aces, including two to close out the final. "It's great to get the win, but I proved to myself and a lot of people backing me that I still have it and can produce at the highest level," said Kyrgios, who defeated the tournament's number one seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Saturday's semi-final. "This week is probably one of the best weeks of my life in tennis," the 24-year-old said. Kyrgios, mixing baseline rallies with drop shots, came from 4-1 down in the opening tiebreak to win it and took a medical time-out after the set, which seemed to help relieve the back spasms that had him stretching on the court during changeovers. "I had some back spasms on the right side of my back," the Australian said. "I haven't played that much tennis in the last couple of months so this week the load has been pretty stressful." The tension of the match no doubt added to the stress. "We got very lucky to get out of the first set," Kyrgios said. "It was 5-2 and I got pretty lucky on some of those points. It could have easily him standing in this position." He still had trouble with Medvedev's serve, the Russian winning 80% of his service points for the match. Kyrgios eventually tied the second set at 6-6 and claimed the victory, his second of the year, in another tiebreak. Before serving for the win, the Australian, as he had done twice previously in the match, went to a spectator to consult on where to serve. Kyrgios then delivered a rocket for the win and fell on his back in relief.

Nick Kyrgios fights off back spasms to win Citi Open title

<p>Australia's Nick Kyrgios overcame a mid-match meltdown and his rival's shoe repair delays Saturday to defeat Greek top seed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoe-gate-continues-for-stefano-tsitsipas-in-washington-240423">Stefanos Tsitsipas</a> and reach the ATP Washington Open final.</p>

<p>The 52nd-ranked Aussie hammered 19 aces, saved a match point and often played to the crowd in a dramatic and emotional 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Tsitsipas, whose broken shoes caused two third-set delays.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas, who becomes world number five on Monday, fell behind a set and a break, took advantage of Kyrgios losing control with racquet slams and call complaints to force a third set, only to fall in the tie-breaker.</p>

<p>"It was spiraling out of control at one point," Kyrgios said. "I've been in that spot before and it has gotten worse.</p>

<p>"I'm pretty proud at how I was able to drag it back from a dark place. I'm pretty proud of how I battled back and dug deep."</p>

<p>Kyrgios will play for the $365,390 (328,851 euro) top prize against 10th-ranked Russian Daniil Medvedev, who eliminated German lucky loser Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-2.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Aussie beat Medvedev this year in Rome in their only prior meeting.</p>

<p>Kyrgios, who improved to 4-1 against top-10 rivals this year, seeks a sixth career ATP title and his first since Acapulco in March.</p>

<p>"It's probably one of the best tournament weeks of my life," Kyrgios said.</p>

<p>Medvedev, 23, seeks his fifth ATP title after taking his most recent crown at Sofia in February.</p>

<p>Italy's 62nd-ranked Camila Giorgi, a 2018 Wimbledon quarter-finalist seeking her third WTA title, and 79th-ranked American Jessica Pegula advanced to the women's final at the US Open tuneup tournament.</p>

<p><strong>Kyrgios fire and apathy</strong></p>

<p>Kyrgios excited the crowd throughout with such flamboyant moves as underhand serves, between the legs shots and leaping drop shots. Other times he would just swat away.</p>

<p>"He was on fire in some moments," Tsitsipas said. "It felt like sometimes he didn't care at all. It's probably his plan to put you out of focus."</p>

<p>Kyrgios admitted, "I've always been able to play high level tennis. I just need to be more consistent. I have to be mentally tougher."</p>

<p>It was the Greek star's first match against Kyrgios, who is of Greek and Malaysian heritage. Each man won 91 points, hit 58 of 91 first serves, won 48 of 58 first-serve points and 16-of-33 second serve points.</p>

<p>"I'm an anti-stat guy," Kyrgios said. "I don't look at any of that stuff."</p>

<p>Kyrgios broke in the third game and held from there to win the first set in 31 minutes, dropping only three points on his serve.</p>

<p>"His serve was just unreal first set. I couldn't do anything with it," said Tsitsipas. "I haven't seen anything like it."</p>

<p>Kyrgios broke again to open the second set but after a review call went against him double-faulted away a break, slamming his racquet and towels to the court in frustration.</p>

<p><strong>'Shoe-pocalypse' hits</strong></p>

<p>Tsitsipas, who said he had a sore hamstring, suffered a broken left shoe for a fourth consecutive match, switching Adidas pairs on a changeover with Kyrgios up 2-1.</p>

<p>A ballboy delivered a shoebox with the faulty footwear to Tsitsipas's father/coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas, in the stands. But it was Kyrgios, waiting through a delay that would last four minutes, who took the shoebox from the far corner of the court.</p>

<p>"I just thought it would speed the process up," Kyrgios said. "By the way, Adidas sucks."</p>

<p>Kyrgios delivered it to a seated Tsitsipas, kneeling as he put the box at his rival's feet, both of them smiling as the crowd roared with delight and laughter.</p>

<p>"That was funny," Tsitsipas said. Sometimes you can't take anything serious. You have to go with the flow. You have to have the same channel and same fun as he is."</p>

<p>Tsitsipas broke another left shoe and needed another shoe switch at the next changeover, Indian tennis legend Leander Paes later bringing his dad a new shoe later.</p>

<p>Kyrgios led 5-1 in the tie-breaker, lost the next five points, then saved match point with a service winner. He finally won after two hours seven minutes on an overhead smash.</p>


Australia's Nick Kyrgios overcame a mid-match meltdown and his rival's shoe repair delays Saturday to defeat Greek top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and reach the ATP Washington Open final.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios overcame a mid-match meltdown and his rival's shoe repair delays Saturday to defeat Greek top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and reach the ATP Washington Open final. The 52nd-ranked Aussie hammered 19 aces, saved a match point and often played to the crowd in a dramatic and emotional 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Tsitsipas, whose broken shoes caused two third-set delays. Tsitsipas, who becomes world number five on Monday, fell behind a set and a break, took advantage of Kyrgios losing control with racquet slams and call complaints to force a third set, only to fall in the tie-breaker. "It was spiraling out of control at one point," Kyrgios said. "I've been in that spot before and it has gotten worse. "I'm pretty proud at how I was able to drag it back from a dark place. I'm pretty proud of how I battled back and dug deep." Kyrgios will play for the $365,390 (328,851 euro) top prize against 10th-ranked Russian Daniil Medvedev, who eliminated German lucky loser Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-2. The 24-year-old Aussie beat Medvedev this year in Rome in their only prior meeting. Kyrgios, who improved to 4-1 against top-10 rivals this year, seeks a sixth career ATP title and his first since Acapulco in March. "It's probably one of the best tournament weeks of my life," Kyrgios said. Medvedev, 23, seeks his fifth ATP title after taking his most recent crown at Sofia in February. Italy's 62nd-ranked Camila Giorgi, a 2018 Wimbledon quarter-finalist seeking her third WTA title, and 79th-ranked American Jessica Pegula advanced to the women's final at the US Open tuneup tournament. Kyrgios fire and apathy Kyrgios excited the crowd throughout with such flamboyant moves as underhand serves, between the legs shots and leaping drop shots. Other times he would just swat away. "He was on fire in some moments," Tsitsipas said. "It felt like sometimes he didn't care at all. It's probably his plan to put you out of focus." Kyrgios admitted, "I've always been able to play high level tennis. I just need to be more consistent. I have to be mentally tougher." It was the Greek star's first match against Kyrgios, who is of Greek and Malaysian heritage. Each man won 91 points, hit 58 of 91 first serves, won 48 of 58 first-serve points and 16-of-33 second serve points. "I'm an anti-stat guy," Kyrgios said. "I don't look at any of that stuff." Kyrgios broke in the third game and held from there to win the first set in 31 minutes, dropping only three points on his serve. "His serve was just unreal first set. I couldn't do anything with it," said Tsitsipas. "I haven't seen anything like it." Kyrgios broke again to open the second set but after a review call went against him double-faulted away a break, slamming his racquet and towels to the court in frustration. 'Shoe-pocalypse' hits Tsitsipas, who said he had a sore hamstring, suffered a broken left shoe for a fourth consecutive match, switching Adidas pairs on a changeover with Kyrgios up 2-1. A ballboy delivered a shoebox with the faulty footwear to Tsitsipas's father/coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas, in the stands. But it was Kyrgios, waiting through a delay that would last four minutes, who took the shoebox from the far corner of the court. "I just thought it would speed the process up," Kyrgios said. "By the way, Adidas sucks." Kyrgios delivered it to a seated Tsitsipas, kneeling as he put the box at his rival's feet, both of them smiling as the crowd roared with delight and laughter. "That was funny," Tsitsipas said. Sometimes you can't take anything serious. You have to go with the flow. You have to have the same channel and same fun as he is." Tsitsipas broke another left shoe and needed another shoe switch at the next changeover, Indian tennis legend Leander Paes later bringing his dad a new shoe later. Kyrgios led 5-1 in the tie-breaker, lost the next five points, then saved match point with a service winner. He finally won after two hours seven minutes on an overhead smash.

Nick Kyrgios ousts top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach Washington final

<p>Serena Williams was fined $10,000 (£7,989) by the All England Club for damaging one of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-simona-halep-ends-cori-gauffs-fairytale-run-234093">Wimbledon</a>'s courts with her racket prior to the start of the tournament, media reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIr62XmqfjAhUMRo8KHdzwCJcQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JYxmi8iWquRCmDmDDJ0Cu">Williams</a>, who faces fellow American Alison Riske in the quarter-finals on Tuesday as she looks to win her 24th Grand Slam title, has yet to comment on the fine.</p>

<p>Fabio Fognini was also fined $3,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a rant during his third round defeat to Tennys Sandgren.</p>

<p>The Italian had said he hoped a "bomb" would explode at the All England Club.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-nick-kyrgios-admits-deliberately-hitting-ball-at-rafael-nadal-233181&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZhpuemqfjAhXw6nMBHVY6CfsQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1zdTXHbN7jttTnzZYR6HLe">Nick Kyrgios</a> was fined $8,000 in total from separate unsportsmanlike incidents in his first and second rounds.</p>

<p>The fiery Australian lost to Rafa Nadal in the second round.</p>


Serena Williams was fined $10,000 (£7,989) by the All England Club for damaging one of Wimbledon's courts with her racket prior to the start of the tournament, media reported.

Serena Williams was fined $10,000 (£7,989) by the All England Club for damaging one of Wimbledon's courts with her racket prior to the start of the tournament, media reported. Williams, who faces fellow American Alison Riske in the quarter-finals on Tuesday as she looks to win her 24th Grand Slam title, has yet to comment on the fine. Fabio Fognini was also fined $3,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a rant during his third round defeat to Tennys Sandgren. The Italian had said he hoped a "bomb" would explode at the All England Club. Nick Kyrgios was fined $8,000 in total from separate unsportsmanlike incidents in his first and second rounds. The fiery Australian lost to Rafa Nadal in the second round.

Serena Williams fined $10,000 for damaging Wimbledon court

<p>After Rafa Nadal won a thrilling four-set encounter with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-nick-kyrgios-admits-deliberately-hitting-ball-at-rafael-nadal-233181&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi4va_bzJ_jAhXFuY8KHc1vB2gQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nAolcIxGE4iVBp1vad-84">Nick Kyrgios</a>, the Spaniard repeated his lament that he had got a tough draw at the All England Club, ahead of his third-round clash against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Saturday.</p>

<p>Although Nadal is ranked second in the world, his absence from numerous grasscourt tournaments ultimately gave him the third seeding at Wimbledon, prompting him to complain before the tournament got underway.</p>

<p>"It's true that I have been (handed) a tough draw, a tough opponent for a second round," Nadal said after his victory over Kyrgios. "You want to face less in a second-round like this, especially here.</p>

<p>"Now I have another tough opponent in Tsonga. Every match is tough, my draw is (a) tough one," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi4va_bzJ_jAhXFuY8KHc1vB2gQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HPzidhwrP5f7RPWx9xoPz">Nadal </a>said.</p>

<p>While Nadal had to dig deep against Kyrgios, Tsonga has yet to drop a set.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old said he had been shown a lack of respect after his first-round opponent Bernard Tomic was fined for playing below standards in a match that lasted only 58 minutes - the shortest Wimbledon men's match for 15 years.</p>

<p>"In the third set he played and it was tight," Tsonga said. "And I played well to win this set. So I don't know."</p>

<p>Tsonga's frustration at his victory being questioned stems from his own struggles to claw his way back up the rankings after falling out of the top 100.</p>

<p>He played only 12 matches in 2018, missing three Grand Slams with a knee injury, which led to his singles ranking plummeting from 15 to 262.</p>

<p>A title win in Montpellier in February helped him to recover some measure of consistency and move up to 72nd, 70 places below Nadal.</p>

<p>Tsonga has an uncanny ability to get results against top players and he has beaten the Spaniard four times in his career, winning their last meeting in 2015.</p>

<p>The pair will have to wait for their Centre Court match-up though after women's top seed Ash Barty plays British wildcard, Harriet Dart.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-roger-federer-crushes-jay-clarke-eases-into-third-round-233168&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJjOvxzJ_jAhXKso8KHQNkD3IQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2r0bzXcSl5Euj3LbovNbb4">Roger Federer</a> is also in action on Centre Court later on Saturday when he takes on Frenchman Lucas Pouille.</p>

<p>American Serena Williams plays Germany's Julia Goerges on Court One while Czech sixth seed Petra Kvitova takes on Poland's Magda Linette on Court Two.</p>


After Rafa Nadal won a thrilling four-set encounter with Nick Kyrgios, the Spaniard repeated his lament that he had got a tough draw at the All England Club, ahead of his third-round clash against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Saturday.

After Rafa Nadal won a thrilling four-set encounter with Nick Kyrgios, the Spaniard repeated his lament that he had got a tough draw at the All England Club, ahead of his third-round clash against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Saturday. Although Nadal is ranked second in the world, his absence from numerous grasscourt tournaments ultimately gave him the third seeding at Wimbledon, prompting him to complain before the tournament got underway. "It's true that I have been (handed) a tough draw, a tough opponent for a second round," Nadal said after his victory over Kyrgios. "You want to face less in a second-round like this, especially here. "Now I have another tough opponent in Tsonga. Every match is tough, my draw is (a) tough one," Nadal said. While Nadal had to dig deep against Kyrgios, Tsonga has yet to drop a set. The 34-year-old said he had been shown a lack of respect after his first-round opponent Bernard Tomic was fined for playing below standards in a match that lasted only 58 minutes - the shortest Wimbledon men's match for 15 years. "In the third set he played and it was tight," Tsonga said. "And I played well to win this set. So I don't know." Tsonga's frustration at his victory being questioned stems from his own struggles to claw his way back up the rankings after falling out of the top 100. He played only 12 matches in 2018, missing three Grand Slams with a knee injury, which led to his singles ranking plummeting from 15 to 262. A title win in Montpellier in February helped him to recover some measure of consistency and move up to 72nd, 70 places below Nadal. Tsonga has an uncanny ability to get results against top players and he has beaten the Spaniard four times in his career, winning their last meeting in 2015. The pair will have to wait for their Centre Court match-up though after women's top seed Ash Barty plays British wildcard, Harriet Dart. Roger Federer is also in action on Centre Court later on Saturday when he takes on Frenchman Lucas Pouille. American Serena Williams plays Germany's Julia Goerges on Court One while Czech sixth seed Petra Kvitova takes on Poland's Magda Linette on Court Two.

Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal to battle tough Tsonga in third round

<p>Nick Kyrgios admitted he meant to spear a forehand directly at Rafael Nadal in their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-nick-kyrgios-and-rafael-nadal-set-to-renew-salty-rivalry-232630&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT24W3i53jAhWQ-2EKHWGQD9EQFjAEegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Bsz_9Q9JegKvRuN92v21N">bad-tempered Wimbledon clash</a> on Thursday.</p>

<p>Nadal triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) in a second-round Centre Court duel which saw the combustible Australian pick up a code violation for unsportsmanlike behaviour and wage a bitter war of words with umpire Damien Dumusois.</p>

<p>He called the official a "disgrace", describing his handling of the explosive tie as "pathetic" for failing to warn the Spaniard over what he claimed was his pedestrian pace of play.</p>

<p>The two players faced down each other in the eighth game of the third set when Nadal had to take evasive action with his racquet to fend off a blistering forehand aimed straight at him by the Australian.</p>

<p>"I was going for him. Yeah, I wanted to hit him square in the chest. Like, he's got decent hands," said 24-year-old Kyrgios.</p>

<p>"Why would I apologise? I mean, the dude has got how many slams, how much money in the bank account?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think he can take a ball to the chest, bro. I'm not going to apologise to him at all," Kyrgios said.</p>

<p>Nadal said he was unconcerned for his own safety when the ball came towards him at high speed but feared for others if the ball had gone astray.</p>

<p>"When he hits the ball like this, it is dangerous. It's not dangerous for me, it is dangerous for a line referee, dangerous for the crowd," said the two-time Wimbledon champion.</p>

<p>"I know when you hit this kind of ball, the ball can go anywhere. This time the ball went in, almost hit me, no problem.''</p>

<p>"I am a professional, so I know how to avoid this. But another one, the ball goes straight to the back. That ball hits an eye or something like this, it is a problem," Nadal said.</p>

<p>Kyrgios, who famously announced himself to the tennis world when he defeated Nadal at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-clarke-dumps-dart-last-minute-to-pair-up-with-cori-gauff-for-mixed-doubles-233018">Wimbledon </a>in 2014 as a wild card ranked at 144, spent the eve of Thursday's match in a local bar.</p>

<p>It was a decision he did not regret.</p>

<p>"You look way too excited to ask that question. You must have a really boring life," he chastised a reporter.</p>

<p>Nadal had suggested that Kyrgios does have the makings of a Grand Slam champion but the Australian doubts he has the work ethic to achieve such a lofty ambition.</p>

<p>"I know what I'm capable of. Just depends. I'm a great tennis player, but I don't do the other stuff.''</p>

<p>"I'm not the most professional guy. I won't train day in, day out. I won't show up every day. So there's a lot of things I need to improve on to get to that level that Rafa brings, Novak (Djokovic), <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-roger-federer-seeded-second-rafael-nadal-drops-to-three-230601&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjE5prMi53jAhVS62EKHTAGALIQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw18IqpNUoX1HDeIliN5WzYN">Roger </a>(Federer) have been doing for so long.''</p>

<p>"Just depends how bad I want it. But, no, at the moment I don't think I can contend for a Grand Slam," Kyrgios said.</p>

<p>But Nadal insisted that all Kyrgios needs is respect for the sport, something which he accused the Australian of patently lacking when they clashed in Acapulco in February.</p>

<p>"If, if, if. Doesn't exist. There are a lot of important things that you need to do to become a champion,'' Nadal said.</p>

<p>"He has a lot of good ingredients. But, of course, there remains an important one sometimes, and that is the love, the passion for this game. Without really loving this game that much, is difficult to achieve important things," added Nadal.</p>


Nick Kyrgios admitted he meant to spear a forehand directly at Rafael Nadal in their bad-tempered Wimbledon clash on Thursday. Nadal triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) in a second-round Centre Court duel which saw the combustible Australian pick up a code violation for unsportsmanlike behaviour and wage a bitter war of words with umpire Damien Dumusois.

Nick Kyrgios admitted he meant to spear a forehand directly at Rafael Nadal in their bad-tempered Wimbledon clash on Thursday. Nadal triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) in a second-round Centre Court duel which saw the combustible Australian pick up a code violation for unsportsmanlike behaviour and wage a bitter war of words with umpire Damien Dumusois. He called the official a "disgrace", describing his handling of the explosive tie as "pathetic" for failing to warn the Spaniard over what he claimed was his pedestrian pace of play. The two players faced down each other in the eighth game of the third set when Nadal had to take evasive action with his racquet to fend off a blistering forehand aimed straight at him by the Australian. "I was going for him. Yeah, I wanted to hit him square in the chest. Like, he's got decent hands," said 24-year-old Kyrgios. "Why would I apologise? I mean, the dude has got how many slams, how much money in the bank account? "I think he can take a ball to the chest, bro. I'm not going to apologise to him at all," Kyrgios said. Nadal said he was unconcerned for his own safety when the ball came towards him at high speed but feared for others if the ball had gone astray. "When he hits the ball like this, it is dangerous. It's not dangerous for me, it is dangerous for a line referee, dangerous for the crowd," said the two-time Wimbledon champion. "I know when you hit this kind of ball, the ball can go anywhere. This time the ball went in, almost hit me, no problem.'' "I am a professional, so I know how to avoid this. But another one, the ball goes straight to the back. That ball hits an eye or something like this, it is a problem," Nadal said. Kyrgios, who famously announced himself to the tennis world when he defeated Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 as a wild card ranked at 144, spent the eve of Thursday's match in a local bar. It was a decision he did not regret. "You look way too excited to ask that question. You must have a really boring life," he chastised a reporter. Nadal had suggested that Kyrgios does have the makings of a Grand Slam champion but the Australian doubts he has the work ethic to achieve such a lofty ambition. "I know what I'm capable of. Just depends. I'm a great tennis player, but I don't do the other stuff.'' "I'm not the most professional guy. I won't train day in, day out. I won't show up every day. So there's a lot of things I need to improve on to get to that level that Rafa brings, Novak (Djokovic), Roger (Federer) have been doing for so long.'' "Just depends how bad I want it. But, no, at the moment I don't think I can contend for a Grand Slam," Kyrgios said. But Nadal insisted that all Kyrgios needs is respect for the sport, something which he accused the Australian of patently lacking when they clashed in Acapulco in February. "If, if, if. Doesn't exist. There are a lot of important things that you need to do to become a champion,'' Nadal said. "He has a lot of good ingredients. But, of course, there remains an important one sometimes, and that is the love, the passion for this game. Without really loving this game that much, is difficult to achieve important things," added Nadal.

Wimbledon: Nick Kyrgios admits deliberately hitting ball at Rafael Nadal

<p>It was the "super salty" blockbuster clash tennis fans around the world wanted to see and Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal duly obliged on Tuesday by setting up a second-round showdown at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624">Wimbledon</a>.</p>

<p>When last Friday's men's draw set the pair on a collision course, the only fear was that Yuichi Sugita and Jordan Thompson might gatecrash a reunion between the duo who are not exactly considered best buddies on the tour.</p>

<p>As it was, Nadal dispatched the Japanese 6-3, 6-1, 6-3, while Kyrgios, no stranger to hurling chairs across a court when things don't go his way, was almost on his best behaviour as he secured a 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(10), 0-6, 6-1 win over his compatriot.</p>

<p>Considering Nadal accused Kyrgios of disrespect after losing to him in Acapulco earlier and the Australian hit back by describing the 18-time Grand Slam champion as being "super salty" in defeat, sparks could fly again when they face off for the seventh time, with their rivalry deadlocked at 3-3.</p>

<p>However, on Tuesday both players refused to get dragged into a war of words.</p>

<p>"Not sure that me and Rafa could go down to the Dog &amp; Fox (pub) and have a beer together... we have mutual respect but that's about it," said Kyrgios, who beat the Spaniard in their only previous meeting at Wimbledon.</p>

<p>"He's one of the greatest tennis players of all time. I go into that match as an unbelievable underdog," said&nbsp;Kyrgios.</p>

<p>As for Nadal, his only words on the subject were: "I'm too old for all that stuff."</p>

<p>That might be the case but Nadal and his long-time 'frenemy' Roger Federer showed that age was no barrier when it came to winning matches.</p>

<p>The Swiss, chasing a record ninth Wimbledon title, was not exactly at his regal best on a day the Duchess of Cambridge had dropped in to cheer him on but that did not stop Federer handing Wimbledon debutant Lloyd Harris a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 defeat.</p>

<p>Maria Sharapova's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-defending-champion-angelique-kerber-outclasses-tricky-compatriot-232606">Wimbledon </a>ended in the first round for the second straight year as the 2004 champion retired with an arm injury while trailing France's Pauline Parmentier 4-6, 7-6(4), 5-0.</p>

<p>Another former champion, Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia.</p>

<p>A day after Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev lost their chance to end the Nadal-Federer-Novak Djokovic stranglehold on men's tennis, Austria's French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem continued the Next-Gen exodus as he was humbled 6-7(4), 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-0 by American Sam Querrey.</p>


It was the "super salty" blockbuster clash tennis fans around the world wanted to see and Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal duly obliged on Tuesday by setting up a second-round showdown at Wimbledon.

It was the "super salty" blockbuster clash tennis fans around the world wanted to see and Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal duly obliged on Tuesday by setting up a second-round showdown at Wimbledon. When last Friday's men's draw set the pair on a collision course, the only fear was that Yuichi Sugita and Jordan Thompson might gatecrash a reunion between the duo who are not exactly considered best buddies on the tour. As it was, Nadal dispatched the Japanese 6-3, 6-1, 6-3, while Kyrgios, no stranger to hurling chairs across a court when things don't go his way, was almost on his best behaviour as he secured a 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(10), 0-6, 6-1 win over his compatriot. Considering Nadal accused Kyrgios of disrespect after losing to him in Acapulco earlier and the Australian hit back by describing the 18-time Grand Slam champion as being "super salty" in defeat, sparks could fly again when they face off for the seventh time, with their rivalry deadlocked at 3-3. However, on Tuesday both players refused to get dragged into a war of words. "Not sure that me and Rafa could go down to the Dog & Fox (pub) and have a beer together... we have mutual respect but that's about it," said Kyrgios, who beat the Spaniard in their only previous meeting at Wimbledon. "He's one of the greatest tennis players of all time. I go into that match as an unbelievable underdog," said Kyrgios. As for Nadal, his only words on the subject were: "I'm too old for all that stuff." That might be the case but Nadal and his long-time 'frenemy' Roger Federer showed that age was no barrier when it came to winning matches. The Swiss, chasing a record ninth Wimbledon title, was not exactly at his regal best on a day the Duchess of Cambridge had dropped in to cheer him on but that did not stop Federer handing Wimbledon debutant Lloyd Harris a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 defeat. Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon ended in the first round for the second straight year as the 2004 champion retired with an arm injury while trailing France's Pauline Parmentier 4-6, 7-6(4), 5-0. Another former champion, Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia. A day after Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev lost their chance to end the Nadal-Federer-Novak Djokovic stranglehold on men's tennis, Austria's French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem continued the Next-Gen exodus as he was humbled 6-7(4), 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-0 by American Sam Querrey.

Wimbledon: Nick Kyrgios, Rafael Nadal set to renew 'salty' rivalry

<p>Rafael Nadal could face a Wimbledon second-round showdown with controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios after the draw for the men's singles took place on Friday.</p>

<p>Spaniard Nadal is in the same half of the draw as eight-time champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-defeats-david-goffin-for-unbelievable-10th-halle-title-229760&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw2-fPgozjAhVDNI8KHdgVBOcQFjABegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rXeGWkvtobHoYuA53fHIJ">Roger Federer</a> who was moved ahead of him to second in the seedings thanks to Wimbledon's grasscourt formula.</p>

<p>Federer starts against Lloyd Harris while defending champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-supports-rafael-nadal-over-wimbledon-seedings-criticism-230554&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEoMSzgozjAhUSinAKHTraASwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw212yNB5tCSngY2qVej28g5">Novak Djokovic</a> is up against Philipp Kohlschreiber.</p>

<p>Nadal, the third seed, bidding for a third Wimbledon title and first since 2010, will face Japan's Yuichi Sugita in the first round with Kyrgios up against compatriot Jordan Thompson.</p>

<p>If they both win it will set up a rematch of their 2014 fourth-round clash when <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-winner-rafael-nadal-still-lagging-novak-djokovic-in-rankings-226068&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEoMSzgozjAhUSinAKHTraASwQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3UY0066_XyV3AdikI-VjU3">Nadal </a>suffered a shock defeat by a then 19-year-old Kyrgios in the fourth round.</p>

<p>Kyrgios has made headlines for his various misdemeanours more than his tennis since then and Nadal this year accused him of lacking respect after losing to him in Acapulco when Kyrgios served underarm near the end of the match.</p>

<p>In a video post last month Kyrgios described Nadal as "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt6cnigozjAhVRnY8KHcKkB5YQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZwEpxQWegFphwvnTzgCPk">super-salty</a>" after defeats.</p>


Rafael Nadal could face a Wimbledon second-round showdown with controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios after the draw for the men's singles took place on Friday. Spaniard Nadal is in the same half of the draw as eight-time champion Roger Federer who was moved ahead of him to second in the seedings thanks to Wimbledon's grasscourt formula.

Rafael Nadal could face a Wimbledon second-round showdown with controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios after the draw for the men's singles took place on Friday. Spaniard Nadal is in the same half of the draw as eight-time champion Roger Federer who was moved ahead of him to second in the seedings thanks to Wimbledon's grasscourt formula. Federer starts against Lloyd Harris while defending champion Novak Djokovic is up against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Nadal, the third seed, bidding for a third Wimbledon title and first since 2010, will face Japan's Yuichi Sugita in the first round with Kyrgios up against compatriot Jordan Thompson. If they both win it will set up a rematch of their 2014 fourth-round clash when Nadal suffered a shock defeat by a then 19-year-old Kyrgios in the fourth round. Kyrgios has made headlines for his various misdemeanours more than his tennis since then and Nadal this year accused him of lacking respect after losing to him in Acapulco when Kyrgios served underarm near the end of the match. In a video post last month Kyrgios described Nadal as "super-salty" after defeats.

Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal set for potential clash with Nick Kyrgios second round

<p>Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined a total of $17,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the ATP after a series of outbursts at officials at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.</p>

<p>The 23-year-old became embroiled in an expletive-laden rant at umpire Fergus Murphy in his first-round win against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, at one point accusing a line judge of "rigging" his match.</p>

<p>In his second round match later in the day against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, which he lost in three sets, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-kyrgios-good-guy-even-if-he-has-no-respect-for-me-228880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC2JHRvPziAhUXiXAKHXEbDYUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VmE8YMZOSNsLkV2AbjJZm">Kyrgios </a>was given another warning by umpire James Keothavong for smashing a ball out of the ground after a call went against him.</p>

<p>Kyrgios, who is never far from controversy wherever he plays, also rowed with fans and a courtside photographer and appeared to be going through the motions in the final games.</p>

<p>He was fined a total of $7,500 for his conduct in the first match and then another $10,000 for his behaviour in the second.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"... your hat looks ridiculous also, it's not even sunny" - <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> <a href="https://t.co/CQnHQZfzp5">pic.twitter.com/CQnHQZfzp5</a></p>
— Tom Hartley (@TomHartley_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomHartley_7/status/1141708222040018945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Afterwards, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC2JHRvPziAhUXiXAKHXEbDYUQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw203pZGK-rn-DkvL-Je_GpT">Kyrgios </a>described the performance of the match officials as "a joke" and "horrendous".</p>

<p>"I think it's ridiculous. Like, why not have another umpire ready to come in if that guy has a terrible day?" Kyrgios said. "I don't understand. I have to pay the fines for it.</p>

<p>"The calls are horrendous, but I get fined and he gets nothing. It's like a black star. I don't know what happens. It's rubbish," said&nbsp;Kyrgios.</p>


Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined a total of $17,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the ATP after a series of outbursts at officials at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined a total of $17,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the ATP after a series of outbursts at officials at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday. The 23-year-old became embroiled in an expletive-laden rant at umpire Fergus Murphy in his first-round win against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, at one point accusing a line judge of "rigging" his match. In his second round match later in the day against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, which he lost in three sets, Kyrgios was given another warning by umpire James Keothavong for smashing a ball out of the ground after a call went against him. Kyrgios, who is never far from controversy wherever he plays, also rowed with fans and a courtside photographer and appeared to be going through the motions in the final games. He was fined a total of $7,500 for his conduct in the first match and then another $10,000 for his behaviour in the second. Watch the video: "... your hat looks ridiculous also, it's not even sunny" - @NickKyrgios pic.twitter.com/CQnHQZfzp5 — Tom Hartley (@TomHartley_7) June 20, 2019 × Afterwards, Kyrgios described the performance of the match officials as "a joke" and "horrendous". "I think it's ridiculous. Like, why not have another umpire ready to come in if that guy has a terrible day?" Kyrgios said. "I don't understand. I have to pay the fines for it. "The calls are horrendous, but I get fined and he gets nothing. It's like a black star. I don't know what happens. It's rubbish," said Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios fined $17,500 for accusing line judge of 'rigging' his match at Queen's Club

<p>Novak Djokovic on Wednesday shrugged off Nick Kyrgios's characterisation of him as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTt_6_svfiAhWFFogKHUN2BMgQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1jPqekymlTHhfypDDXH9vn">"cringeworthy"</a> and "having an obsession with wanting to be liked" by insisting the firebrand Australian is a "good guy".</p>

<p>Kyrgios, more often in the headlines for what he says off the court than what he achieves on it, described world number one Djokovic as desperate to be held in the same high esteem as Roger Federer.</p>

<p>"I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can't stand him. This celebration thing (Djokovic's 'cup of love' gesture to the crowd) is so cringeworthy," Kyrgios told NCR Tennis Podcast.</p>

<p>"No matter how many Grand Slams he wins, he will never be the greatest to me.&nbsp;For me, Federer will always be the greatest of all time,"&nbsp;Kyrgios said.</p>

<p>Djokovic, however, said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-nick-kyrgios-pulls-out-of-french-open-organisers-221393&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTt_6_svfiAhWFFogKHUN2BMgQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17a_kgjHp4fKJfsa1MIm5k">Kyrgios's </a>remarks "don't keep him awake at night".</p>

<p>"I think that basically he is a good guy. I don't know why he said all those things. Does he want to attract attention, does he want to be different?," Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade ahead of defending his Wimbledon title next month.</p>

<p>"He wants apparently to be true, open, transparent, that is part of his character. I respect him. Does he show me the respect to the extent that others do? No, he does not. That's just his way of communicating," Djokovic said.</p>

<p>Djokovic admitted that he had offered to help <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTt_6_svfiAhWFFogKHUN2BMgQFjAFegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Z58cGoi1aSlwH0JvQixUr">Kyrgios </a>deal with fame and its various pitfalls.</p>

<p>"Five years ago I even offered him sort of help, in the sense that he could come to me if he needs anything since at the beginning of my career I also experienced criticism against me.&nbsp;I was trying to respect everyone in life. I really don't understand his reasons, but I respect him," Djokovic added.</p>

<p>Four-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic hasn't played since a controversial <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-stuns-novak-djokovic-faces-rafael-nadal-in-roland-garros-final-225511&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjT-a7dsvfiAhXFro8KHUOgA9kQFjACegQIDRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1QYHHNKklNjBRX_TFE6g4o">five-set loss to Dominic Thiem</a> in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.</p>

<p>"Because of the very long clay-court season I decided to take a break before Wimbledon," the 15-time Grand Slam winner said after his practice session on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"I'm going to need to get used to the grass, and I have a couple of exhibition games lined up. Just two or three sets each so I can test my tactics and technique,"&nbsp;Djokovic said.</p>

<p>Djokovic, 32, was training with his friend and compatriot Viktor Troicki at an academy owned by former player Janko Tipsarevic and where Djokovic's five-year-old son Stefan was also knocking a tennis ball around.</p>


Novak Djokovic on Wednesday shrugged off Nick Kyrgios's characterisation of him as "cringeworthy" and "having an obsession with wanting to be liked" by insisting the firebrand Australian is a "good guy".

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday shrugged off Nick Kyrgios's characterisation of him as "cringeworthy" and "having an obsession with wanting to be liked" by insisting the firebrand Australian is a "good guy". Kyrgios, more often in the headlines for what he says off the court than what he achieves on it, described world number one Djokovic as desperate to be held in the same high esteem as Roger Federer. "I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can't stand him. This celebration thing (Djokovic's 'cup of love' gesture to the crowd) is so cringeworthy," Kyrgios told NCR Tennis Podcast. "No matter how many Grand Slams he wins, he will never be the greatest to me. For me, Federer will always be the greatest of all time," Kyrgios said. Djokovic, however, said Kyrgios's remarks "don't keep him awake at night". "I think that basically he is a good guy. I don't know why he said all those things. Does he want to attract attention, does he want to be different?," Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade ahead of defending his Wimbledon title next month. "He wants apparently to be true, open, transparent, that is part of his character. I respect him. Does he show me the respect to the extent that others do? No, he does not. That's just his way of communicating," Djokovic said. Djokovic admitted that he had offered to help Kyrgios deal with fame and its various pitfalls. "Five years ago I even offered him sort of help, in the sense that he could come to me if he needs anything since at the beginning of my career I also experienced criticism against me. I was trying to respect everyone in life. I really don't understand his reasons, but I respect him," Djokovic added. Four-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic hasn't played since a controversial five-set loss to Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals at Roland Garros. "Because of the very long clay-court season I decided to take a break before Wimbledon," the 15-time Grand Slam winner said after his practice session on Wednesday. "I'm going to need to get used to the grass, and I have a couple of exhibition games lined up. Just two or three sets each so I can test my tactics and technique," Djokovic said. Djokovic, 32, was training with his friend and compatriot Viktor Troicki at an academy owned by former player Janko Tipsarevic and where Djokovic's five-year-old son Stefan was also knocking a tennis ball around.

Novak Djokovic: 'Kyrgios good guy even if he has no respect for me'

<p>World number two Rafa Nadal has entered next week's Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to get some grass court play under his belt ahead of next month's Wimbledon Championships.</p>

<p>The tournament organisers confirmed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-champ-rafael-nadal-considered-ending-season-after-indian-wells-injury-226420&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwim_O-v6ffiAhVPl48KHSwMCioQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vVZsBu4KAHisycg_FmpBN">Nadal</a>, who has opted to skip competitive tennis since his 12th French Open title triumph earlier this month, will participate in two exhibition matches next Wednesday and Friday.</p>

<p>"I am always happy to play at The Hurlingham Club and be close to UK tennis fans," the 33-year-old Spaniard said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It is a prestigious ground in one of the best settings in the UK, making it the perfect way to warm up for Wimbledon."</p>

<p>The tournament will also feature last year's Wimbledon runner-up Kevin Anderson, Nick Kyrgios, Marin Cilic, Lucas Pouille, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marcos Baghdatis.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-win-french-open-title-225750&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwim_O-v6ffiAhVPl48KHSwMCioQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw36lUX4n6OeuSeTBSyNxZyh">Nadal</a>, a&nbsp;18-time&nbsp;Grand Slam winner, will be bidding for his third title at Wimbledon, which kicks off on July 1, after winning the tournament in 2008 and 2010.</p>

<p>He reached the semi-finals last year where he was beaten by rival Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller.</p>


World number two Rafa Nadal has entered next week's Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to get some grass court play under his belt ahead of next month's Wimbledon Championships.

World number two Rafa Nadal has entered next week's Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to get some grass court play under his belt ahead of next month's Wimbledon Championships. The tournament organisers confirmed Nadal, who has opted to skip competitive tennis since his 12th French Open title triumph earlier this month, will participate in two exhibition matches next Wednesday and Friday. "I am always happy to play at The Hurlingham Club and be close to UK tennis fans," the 33-year-old Spaniard said in a statement. "It is a prestigious ground in one of the best settings in the UK, making it the perfect way to warm up for Wimbledon." The tournament will also feature last year's Wimbledon runner-up Kevin Anderson, Nick Kyrgios, Marin Cilic, Lucas Pouille, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marcos Baghdatis. Nadal, a 18-time Grand Slam winner, will be bidding for his third title at Wimbledon, which kicks off on July 1, after winning the tournament in 2008 and 2010. He reached the semi-finals last year where he was beaten by rival Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller.

Rafael Nadal to prepare for Wimbledon at London's Hurlingham club

<p>Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;"sucks".</p>

<p>Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old was due to have faced Britain's Cameron Norrie in the first round.</p>

<p>Last week, Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in Rome and headed straight to London to practice with Andy Murray at Wimbledon.</p>

<p>"I think this is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him sitting on the grass courts.</p>

<p>"Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay, it is so bad.</p>

<p>"The&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks."</p>

<p>Kyrgios also withdrew from the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;last year and has never reached the second week in Paris.</p>


Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the French Open "sucks". Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying.

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the French Open "sucks". Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying. The 24-year-old was due to have faced Britain's Cameron Norrie in the first round. Last week, Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open in Rome and headed straight to London to practice with Andy Murray at Wimbledon. "I think this is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him sitting on the grass courts. "Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay, it is so bad. "The French Open sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks." Kyrgios also withdrew from the French Open last year and has never reached the second week in Paris.

Australian Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open: Organisers

<p>An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215">outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled</a> from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.</p>

<p>The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9ys6P7qHiAhUVXHwKHcwgCz0QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TN6Ap7x66k7h4ZxdQ3LFp">having earlier beaten Joao Sousa.</a></p>

<p>Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games.</p>

<p>Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out.</p>

<p>The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.</p>

<p>Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty.</p>

<p>All that came after the 24-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103">ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast</a>, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education.</p>

<p>Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer.</p>

<p>"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>GRITTY COMEBACK</strong></p>

<p>The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak.</p>

<p>The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots.</p>

<p>Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline.</p>

<p>With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be",&nbsp;a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total.</p>

<p>The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.</p>


An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday. The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, having earlier beaten Joao Sousa. Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games. Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament. Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out. The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty. All that came after the 24-year-old ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday. Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said. GRITTY COMEBACK The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak. The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots. Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline. With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall. "It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be", a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview. Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total. The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Djokovic reach last eight, Kyrgios expelled

<p>Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-breezes-past-stan-wawrinka-and-into-madrid-open-semi-finals-217751&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLmMe9up_iAhWLto8KHeYwBrQQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2eHmfuOnnrts7xbjBisn-b">Rafa Nada</a>l a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-third-madrid-title-and-33rd-masters-218214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOw42yup_iAhWc6nMBHXsdAkkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WWp-gQ8oWfQVDqsN8yi5R">world number one Novak Djokovic</a> has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open.</p>

<p>Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the 'No Challenges Remaining'&nbsp;podcast, the 24-year-old also disparaged a number of other top professionals and fans who heckle him at his matches.</p>

<p>Kyrgios has had a tense relationship with Nadal, who accused him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open in March.</p>

<p>World number 36 Kyrgios labelled the French Open champion "super salty" -- slang for someone who is aggressive or ill-humoured -- and only gracious after victory.</p>

<p>"When he wins, it’s fine. He won’t say anything bad, he’ll credit the opponent, ‘He was a great player’. But as soon as I beat him, it’s just like, ‘He has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game’," said Kyrgios.</p>

<p>"It’s not a good look for you, I feel. And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I’m like, 'Bra (brother), I did 12 years at school, you idiot.<br />
"I’m very educated. I understand that you’re upset I beat your family again’."</p>

<p>Turning his sights on another of the game's modern greats, Kyrgios described Djokovic as "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but said the Serb was too desperate to be admired like popular Swiss rival <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-ousts-roger-federer-in-madrid-open-thriller-to-reach-semis-217625&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLmMe9up_iAhWLto8KHeYwBrQQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iPu7fuhkbe9oNnIgIuVPh">Roger Federer.</a></p>

<p>"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," he said.</p>

<p>"For me personally -- I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far -- I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him.</p>

<p>"This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy."</p>

<p>Kyrgios devoted special attention to Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, calling him "the most arrogant person ever".</p>

<p>He spoke warmly of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray but also said the Briton's head-to-head record against Djokovic -- 11-25 in matches and 2-5 in Grand Slam finals -- was "embarrassing".</p>

<p>He gave no apologies for hitting back at spectators who give him a hard time during matches.</p>

<p>"These guys show me no respect. None," he said.</p>

<p>"So why would I show you respect? For instance, when I’m taking matches, I don’t care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like crap anyway."</p>

<p>Kyrgios, who has thrilled fans with the purity of his tennis and alienated some by flouting the game's conventions, plays Norway's Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters later on Thursday.</p>

<p>He will then bid to surpass the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the May 26-June&nbsp;French Open.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded Rafa Nadal a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said world number one Novak Djokovic has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded Rafa Nadal a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said world number one Novak Djokovic has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the 'No Challenges Remaining' podcast, the 24-year-old also disparaged a number of other top professionals and fans who heckle him at his matches. Kyrgios has had a tense relationship with Nadal, who accused him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open in March. World number 36 Kyrgios labelled the French Open champion "super salty" -- slang for someone who is aggressive or ill-humoured -- and only gracious after victory. "When he wins, it’s fine. He won’t say anything bad, he’ll credit the opponent, ‘He was a great player’. But as soon as I beat him, it’s just like, ‘He has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game’," said Kyrgios. "It’s not a good look for you, I feel. And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I’m like, 'Bra (brother), I did 12 years at school, you idiot. "I’m very educated. I understand that you’re upset I beat your family again’." Turning his sights on another of the game's modern greats, Kyrgios described Djokovic as "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but said the Serb was too desperate to be admired like popular Swiss rival Roger Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," he said. "For me personally -- I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far -- I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. "This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy." Kyrgios devoted special attention to Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, calling him "the most arrogant person ever". He spoke warmly of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray but also said the Briton's head-to-head record against Djokovic -- 11-25 in matches and 2-5 in Grand Slam finals -- was "embarrassing". He gave no apologies for hitting back at spectators who give him a hard time during matches. "These guys show me no respect. None," he said. "So why would I show you respect? For instance, when I’m taking matches, I don’t care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like crap anyway." Kyrgios, who has thrilled fans with the purity of his tennis and alienated some by flouting the game's conventions, plays Norway's Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters later on Thursday. He will then bid to surpass the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the May 26-June French Open.

Nick Kyrgios calls Novak Djokovic 'cringeworthy', Rafael Nadal 'salty' in candid podcast

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