Australian rebel Nick Kyrgios not interested in German Alexander Zverev’s critique
Aussie firebrand Nick Kyrgios has responded to the stinging criticism aimed at him by German underachiever Alexander Zverev in typical nonchalant fashion.
Tennis
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tennis. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Nick Kyrgios has played a dead bat to Alexander Zverev’s stinging critique, preferring to concentrate on his own challenges while backing a string of young compatriots to shape the Australian Open.
Kyrgios was mystified by Zverev’s comments that “There’s a lot of young guys that are right now, no offence, just better than him.”
“I think Stefanos (Tsitsipas) is better than him. Just simply because he is better over five sets and that’s what you need as well,” the German said.
“This is not a three-set match where you can win in an hour-and-20 (minutes) and get off the court.
“To beat the best, you have to play at your best for a longer period of time.”
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
Zverev said Kyrgios wasn’t as good as Alex de Minaur.
“In fact Alex de Minaur is just simply more consistent right now as well,” Zverev said.
“I don’t know why not a lot of people talk about him because he’s been playing unbelievable at the ATP Cup.”
Kyrgios, who meets Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the first round, refused to bite.
“I'm not going to entertain that too much,” Kyrgios said.
“With everything going on, that's the least of my worries.
“He's (Zverev) a great player. I'm not quite sure where those comments come from.
“I'm sure he didn’t mean them in a bad way. But if he did, then I'm sorry for whatever I've done to you.
“I mean, I'm not going to entertain that too much.”
MORE TENNIS:
Australian Open 2020: Alexander Zverev plays down chances of Nick Kyrgios winning on home soil
Australian Open 2020: Sam Groth says Nick Kyrgios can pose huge threat to Rafael Nadal in Melbourne
Australian Open 2020 Crystal Ball: Who will win, rising star, best Australians to watch
Kyrgios is one of 11 Australian men in main draw contention in the absence of injured de Minaur.
“We have a big crop of guys coming through – not coming through, but in main draw, which is exciting,” he said.
“These guys are all capable to play.
“They're all different personalities, as well, which I think is a lot of fun for Australian tennis.”
Kyrgios said wildcard Christopher O’Connell and qualifier Max Purcell could make inroads.
“He's (O’Connell) always been a great player. I'm not surprised we're seeing him do well really anywhere,” Kyrgios said.
“He's got a great game. He's a great athlete.
“I wouldn't be surprised if he makes some noise here either.
“And Purcell is a young guy who had nothing to lose in ‘qualies.’
“He's made the most of his opportunity.”
Kyrgios could face world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the fourth round.
But the Spaniard has no interest in looking that far ahead as he prepares to face Bolivian Hugo Dellien.
“I am not focused on one particular player in terms of his personal improvements, no?,” Nadal said.
“Everybody knows who is Kyrgios. Everybody knows how big is his talent, how good he is when he wants to play at his best, when he's able to play at his best.
“His chances are always there. He is one of these players that have chances in every tournament that he plays.”