Toni Nadal says Nick Kyrgios’ antics ‘bad for tennis’, but Kyrgios unfazed by criticism
Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal believes Nick Kyrgios’ behaviour is bad for tennis, saying his “attitude is pretty painful”.
Kyrgios is once again the most-talked about player on the ATP Tour this week as he first held an explosive interview with the No Challenges Podcast and branded Rafael Nadal “super salty” and admitted he “doesn’t like” Novak Djokovic.
More controversy was to follow as he exited the Italian Open in disgrace as he smashed a racket, kicked a water bottle and threw a chair before he was defaulted from his match against Casper Ruud.
Although Roger Federer said he felt the Australian should not be suspended, Ruud revealed he’s “not the only one who thinks” Kyrgios should be banned for at least six months.
Toni Nadal also feels he should be penalised, adding that his outbursts are not good for the sport.
“It is bad for tennis and it has entered a dynamic that hurts you. Something is failing, it is not normal, I have seen the images and his attitude is pretty painful,” he told COPE.
He added: “I feel bad for him, but something is failing, the ATP has given him too much hype. He plays very well, but with another mindset he would aspire to be even better. He should make an effort to change.
“It’s hard for him to handle the pressure and the difficulty of the competition. It doesn’t do the sport any good, in the end there is no other option but to penalise him.”
Kyrgios, though, was not perturbed by the criticism as he reacted with an emoji to the story on Twitter, writing “I’ll try and clean up my act”.
I’ll try and clean my act up 😉 https://t.co/IUHXJ9PrhZ
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) May 17, 2019
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
FEATURE: Meet Roy Erskine, Andy Murray’s grandfather and former professional footballer
-
T365 Recall: When Andy Murray cemented his legacy during brilliant 2016 season
-
EXCLUSIVE: Annabel Croft on the ‘identity crisis’ facing the women’s game
-
-
Italian Open: Facts and figures about the ATP and WTA tournament
-
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”