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‘Get a job’: Nick Kyrgios’ ugly feud with American tennis journalist intensifies

Nick Kyrgios’ ugly feud with a veteran American journalist has intensified as the tennis world turns on the Aussie star.

Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg has told Nick Kyrgios to “get a job” as the tennis star continues to take pot shots at the American reporter.

The Aussie may not be playing at Wimbledon this year and was not retained by the BBC as a commentator but that hasn’t stopped him from making headlines.

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Last week it was revealed that the former World No. 13 has partnered up with Rachel Starr and fellow adult actor Sophie Stonehouse for brand new OnlyFans content, a series titled Smash City.

Although the name may hint at spicy content it is anything but, with the four-episode show for OnlyFans TV a pickleball-based competition that sees eight OnlyFans creators compete for $20,000.

However, away from his new venture, Kyrgios continues to take swipes at Rothenburg, most recently appearing to make fun of the journalist’s physique.

It all began when the popular tennis fan page “Tennis Centel” posted a picture of the American journalist captured from behind on Sunday captioned: “Bro Ben Rothenberg is built like a groundhog LMAO.”

As the post gained traction, Kyrgios stuck the boot in, retweeting the post and writing “Tennis central”

Nick Kyrgios body shames journo. Image: Getty/X
Nick Kyrgios body shames journo. Image: Getty/X

MORE: Nick Kyrgios’ $2m pay out amid TV axing

But tennis fans were not amused, quickly denouncing his behaviour.

“Bully and nothing else. Just sad I used to support you,” one person commented.

“Fat shaming? Classy as ever…,” another added.

While others wrote “I used to admire you” and “Dude you’re 30, grow up”.

In response to Kygious, Rothenberg wrote on X: “Bro you have tweeted about me four times already this month and it’s only July 6th. Let’s work on getting you a job again.”

But the Aussie couldn’t help but to clap back again writing: “Awwww Benny I’m doing just fine. Someone’s feelings are hurting …. Not so fun anymore is it?”

Porn star Rachel Starr is now starring alongside Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios in a new reality series for OnlyFans TV. Source: Instagram
Porn star Rachel Starr is now starring alongside Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios in a new reality series for OnlyFans TV. Source: Instagram
Nick Kyrgios has been doing work for TalkSport and continuing his commentary career on his YouTube podcast ‘Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios’. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
Nick Kyrgios has been doing work for TalkSport and continuing his commentary career on his YouTube podcast ‘Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios’. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)

It is just the latest chapter in a bubbling feud between the pair spanning close to five years but has heated up in the last two years.

The American journalist has repeatedly called for Kyrgios to be pulled from the air, most recently for controversial tweets demeaning a WTA player.

“Honestly a bit surprised to see ESPN didn’t yank Nick Kyrgios off air mid-#USOpen final, seeing his most recent disparaging tweet about a WTA player circulating,” Rothenberg wrote last year during the US Open.

“Given his history of demeaning women, women’s tennis, and WTA players, it was already a dubious choice to have him.”

While Kyrgios remains sidelined through a recurring wrist injury, the 30-year-old has been doing work for TalkSport and continuing his commentary career on his YouTube podcast ‘Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios’.

He was, however, snubbed by the BBC for Wimbledon coverage this year, after being a shock inclusion in the commentary box at the All England Club last year.

Nick Kyrgios has also worked as an interviewer at the Australian Open. Pic: Michael Klein
Nick Kyrgios has also worked as an interviewer at the Australian Open. Pic: Michael Klein

Responding to being overlooked he told The Guardian last month: “I know I’m a great commentator. All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport.

“I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says.

“I understand they’ve got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn’t beaten the greatest of all time multiple times.

“When someone’s beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it’s very strange you wouldn’t want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans”.

Originally published as ‘Get a job’: Nick Kyrgios’ ugly feud with American tennis journalist intensifies

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/tennis/get-a-job-nick-kyrgios-ugly-feud-with-american-tennis-journalist-intensifies/news-story/18fc81e2c8a55fd3539721bf1e6483af