Nick Kyrgios has come out swinging in defence of his close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, accusing Aussie tennis great Todd Woodbridge of being ‘jealous’ of today’s stars on the ATP circuit.
It follows Woodbridge criticising injury-plagued Kokkinakis over his decision to play in a financially lucrative Russian exhibition event late last year ahead of the Australian Open.
Kokkinakis, 28, then withdrew from the Brisbane International after Christmas due to a ‘small hip issue’ – and then pulled out of the Adelaide International.
Many tennis fans feared ‘Kokk’ wouldn’t feature at Melbourne Park, but he dug deep to beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin in his first round match on Monday across four gruelling sets.
When asked about Woodbridge’s comments in his post-match conference, Kokkinakis returned serve in brutal fashion.
‘That’s why he is trying to host every game show under the sun,’ he said in a not so subtle dig at the Tipping Point host on Channel Nine.
Nick Kyrgios has come out swinging in defence of his close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, accusing Aussie tennis great Todd Woodbridge of being ‘jealous’ of today’s stars on the ATP circuit
It comes after Woodbridge (pictured with his wife Natasha Provis) criticised injury-plagued Kokkinakis over his decision to play in a financially lucrative Russian exhibition event late last year ahead of the Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios then tore into Todd Woodbridge via an Instagram story (pictured) on Tuesday
‘We are trying to make a living as much as he is.’
Kyrgios then tore into Woodbridge via an Instagram story.
‘Facts!! We out here earning 6-7 figures at these ‘exo’s’ [exhibition matches] – we have every right to go and get that money!!,’ he posted.
‘The game is much more physical now than when some of these older heads played.
‘Don’t be jealous we earning bread!! ‘We EARNED IT! With you @the_kokk1.’
Kokkinakis and Kyrgios will be on court together come Thursday in the opening round of the men’s doubles against fellow Aussies Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.
The mavericks memorably the doubles title together in 2022.
Kyrgios has declared their intention is to ‘go out there and have a bit of fun’ as they enjoy being on court as ‘past champions.’
Meanwhile, leading American doubles analyst Will Boucek has called for Kyrgios to channel his energy elsewhere following his straight sets defeat at the hands of Scot Jacob Fearnley in the men’s singles.
After he was outclassed by the world number 92, Kyrgios suggested his time playing singles at his home slam could be over.
Many tennis fans feared Thanasi Kokkinakis wouldn’t feature at Melbourne Park due to injury, but he dug deep to beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin in his first round match (pictured)
Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios after winning the men’s double title at the 2022 Australian Open
‘I really believe if he focuses on doubles, he’s got the skill set to be potentially the best doubles player in the world,’ Boucek said.
‘A few things make him specifically good at doubles.
‘He can take returns really early…..and what that does is it totally neutralises the opposing net player.
‘So the ball gets past the server’s partner really quickly and back to the server. He can also turn and volley with that.’
Boucek also feels Kyrgios is more naturally talented than retired great Roger Federer.
‘He’s got all the shots and would be unrivalled for sure with his skill set,’ he said.
‘Potentially his ball skills are some of the best of all time, and then obviously his serve is massive, which is going to make it easy.
‘He’s tall, so he’s got a big reach so he’s good at the net for his partner and can cover a lot of area.
‘So I absolutely think he could be one of the top, if not the top, doubles players in the world if he wants to focus on it.’
