Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is one of the most polarizing talents in the sport, someone known just as much for his big personality as his powerful game. Kyrgios is still making headlines despite not playing in this week's French Open, this time because of a Twitter spat with fellow ATP pro Karen Khachanov.
The beef began with Kyrgios responding to comments former tennis star Mats Wilander made regarding Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.
Wilander questioned whether Murray deserved a spot as a wild card at the French Open and said it was time for him to retire, and Kyrgios took to Twitter to defend Murray.
Kyrgios' remarks drew the attention of Khachanov, who said the Aussie should “show some respect” to Wilander:
Nick,come on mate..it’s too much..show some respect ✊
— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) September 28, 2020
It initially seemed to be a somewhat cordial encounter, with Kyrgios explaining he would always stick up for Murray and Khachanov saying Nick is a “good lad.” But Khachanov also questioned the rationale behind Kyrgios' explosive Twitter feed given he's not playing in the French Open because of the pandemic:
Bro it’s your call.I really think you are a good lad and I don’t have any problem with you.But once you are sitting at home and writing different comments about players that makes me think who has the real problem..
— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) September 29, 2020
Things then started to take a turn when Kyrgios seemingly took a subliminal shot at Khachanov's intelligence:
And next time before talking about my intellect read at least a few books , instead or playing video games whole day long.
— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) September 30, 2020
The back-and-forth ended with Kyrgios calling Khachanov an “absolute pelican,” which is an epic burn:
I’ve also been feeding the hungry, helping open up new facilities for kids to get active. But way to do your research you absolute pelican.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 30, 2020
This is hardly the first online spat Kyrgios has engaged in during recent weeks.
In fact, Kyrgios has had a beef with legend Boris Becker that has practically lasted the entire summer, and was reinvigorated after Becker commented on one of Kyrgios' Instagram posts:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdPHEtpc-R/
Kyrgios has often been the subject of criticism from tennis pundits and peers, including Rafael Nadal.
The Australian does not mince words, and he hardly held his tongue during this Twitter exchange with Khachanov as the French Open continues. We'll see if this beef goes any longer.
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