After being slammed over a “disrespectful” comment he made about fellow Aussie Ash Barty during his post-match press conference, Nick Kyrgios has vehemently defended himself in a strong social media post.
The new 2022 Men’s Doubles champion seemingly took an unprompted jab at Barty while speaking to reporters on the weekend. “I would say that we’ve created probably the best atmosphere this tournament has ever seen,” Kyrgios said, adding, “Ash (Barty’s) 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.”
His comments inevitably sparked backlash from fans and commentators, with English tennis commentator Catherine Whitaker telling ABC Offsiders that Kyrgios’ comment was “pretty extraordinary actually.”
Taking a break from celebrating his huge win with playing partner Thannis Kokkanakis in the early hours of Monday morning, Kyrgios made a provocative post on his Instagram Story, containing jibes at the media and Australian Open rival Max Purcell.
“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 & 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 & always knew her potential.”
Purcell and his playing partner Max Eden were defeated during the Men’s Doubles Final on Saturday night. He’d been outspoken about his disdain for Kyrgios’ style throughout the tournament and Kyrgios called him out in his Instagram Story.
“As for @maxpurcell you donut, regarding your comments after the match, you clearly have no idea about entertainment and sport,” he wrote. “If you haven’t noticed there is a reason why people actually come to my matches. It’s because the level & 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&V (serve and volley) game style.”
