Nick Kyrgios news: ‘F*** you media’, writes Australian as he goes on tirade over Ashleigh Barty remarks
Australian Open men’s doubles champion Nick Kyrgios has slammed the media, insisting he said “nothing disrespectful” about Ashleigh Barty while he also had a go at finals opponent Max Purcell.
Following his doubles success on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, there was plenty of self-praise from the 26-year-old over the way he and Thanasi Kokkinakis managed to get the support of the crowd.
“I would say that we’ve created probably the best atmosphere this tournament has ever seen,” he said.
“Ash father came to us and said the crowd was the best he’s ever seen. Obviously Ash is a hell of a player, but I think the ratings speak for themselves.
“The ratings speak for themselves. People watch my matches, everywhere I play around the world the stadiums are full for that reason.”
While “Special Ks” – as Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are referred to – certainly had a lot of boisterous support in the stands, the ratings did tell a bit of a different story.
Channel Nine reported a peak audience of 4.2million people for Barty’s final win over Danielle Collins while the men’s doubles final peaked at 3.15million.
His comments drew a lot of criticism and Kyrgios was not impressed with the way the media reported his remarks.
“F*** you media,” he wrote. “Honestly, I said nothing disrespectful to @ashbarty — I said that the crowd this year was amazing and I feel as if @the_kokk1 and I were a big part of that.
“Ash’s father came to me and even said that.
“All I said was that when people watch me around the world the stadiums are full, I grew up with Ash and always knew her potential.”
Purcell, who lost the all-Australian final alongside Matthew Ebden, also came under fire after he admitted he was not too big a fan of the overzealous supporting.
“I think it was great for ticket sales here, but I’m not so sure how it was taken overseas,” he said.
“If you’re watching some of Nick and Thanasi’s matches earlier in the week and you’re overseas, maybe you get turned off tennis a little bit.”
But Kyrgios did not take kindly to his compatriot’s quotes.
He added: “As for @maxpurcell you donut, regarding your comments after the match you clearly have no idea about entertainment and sport.
“If you haven’t noticed there is a reason why people actually come to my matches, it’s because the level and my game are actually worth watching.
“Next time you lose another slam final, you should just put your head down and try to figure out how to play the big points better.
“No need to slate other Aussies in the media cuz people would rather watch paint dry than your s and v (serve and volley) game style.”
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.”