Toni Nadal says Nick Kyrgios’ antics ‘bad for tennis’, but Kyrgios unfazed by criticism

ATP Tour

Shahida Jacobs
May 18, 2019

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”.