Australian Open: Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios polar opposites

Nick Kyrgios and world No 1 Rafael Nadal will square off tonight against a backdrop of bad blood and grudging respect.

Nick Kyrgios revved up his ongoing row with world no 1 Rafael Nadal by mimicking his on-court mannerisms. Picture: Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios and world No 1 ­Rafael Nadal will square off on Monday night in one of the Australian Open’s most anticipated fourth-round clashes against a backdrop of bad blood and grudging respect.

Kyrgios and Nadal share a ­mutual antipathy stemming from the Australian’s accusation last year that the world No 1 is a “super salty” loser who doesn’t give enough credit to the players who beat him. Regarded as one of the most sporting athletes in tennis, Nadal was furious at the barb, which came after Kyrgios beat him in Acapulco last February.

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/month, cancel anytime. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

The 12-time French Open champion then revelled in a tense win over Kyrgios at Wimbledon in July, and last week set the scene for another grudge match.

On Thursday night, Kyrgios mimicked Nadal, pretending to sweep his hair and pull a wedgie when hit with a time violation.

Nadal on Saturday confirmed that he doesn’t like some of Kyrgios’s antics. “I don’t know him personally, honestly, to have a clear opinion,” the Spaniard said.

“It’s clear, of course, that when he does stuff that in my opinion is not good, I don’t like. When he plays good tennis and he shows passion for this game, he is a positive player for our tour.”

Kyrgios said he would again give his all as he challenges one of the most decorated players in history. “I’m super excited honestly,” he said. “Playing one of the greatest players on centre court at your own slam, it’s pretty damn cool.

“It’s going to be another physical battle. Nothing comes easy with him. I’m looking forward to it. That’s why you play, I guess.”

Kyrgios is the only Australian men’s singles player still in the draw, as the Open enters its second week. He was put on a six-month probation in September and warned that any further disciplinary breaches would lead to a 16-week ban and a $37,000 fine.

The Canberran has been remarkably composed during the Australian Open despite receiving a harsh time violation after skinning his right hand while diving in a dramatic five-set win over Karen Khachanov on Saturday night.

French umpire Renaud Lichtenstein was panned for failing to spot Kyrgios trying to keep a bloodied towel away from a ball kid, instead warning the Australian for taking too much time ­between serves.

Kyrgios and Nadal have already shared some huge matches, including a Wimbledon Centre Court thriller in 2014 when Kyrgios stunned the Spaniard.

Polar opposites, the two contested another Wimbledon cliffhanger last July when Kyrgios admitted rifling a short ball straight at Nadal’s chest, further irking the 19-time major winner.

Kyrgios has said he respects Nadal.

“If we don’t like each other or whatever, I think there’s a layer of respect. He’s one of the greatest of all time. I also read that he thinks I’m good for the sport,” Kyrgios said. “There’s a layer of respect that we both have for each other. Doesn’t necessarily mean we like each other, but … we’re going to go out there and give contrasting styles and personalities.

“At the end of the day, we’re two different tennis players. We go about it completely different.

“After Wimbledon, I lost, I got beaten by the better player. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye and said ‘too good’.

“I don’t really know Rafa. I’ve never, like, hung out with him or anything like that. So I don’t really know how he is. I don’t really dislike him. I don’t know him at all. Hell of a tennis player. Don’t know him as a person. I’m sure he’s OK.”

HERALD SUN