Rafael Nadal accused Nick Kyrgios of “lacking respect for the public, the rival and himself” after being defeated by the controversial Australian 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) in the second round of the Mexican Open.
Kyrgios saved three match points during the testing match in Acapulco but enraged the 17-time Grand Slam champion when he began serving underarm late on in the match.
“He’s a player who has the talent to win Grand Slams – a player who can fight for the top rankings, but there’s a reason he is where he is,” Nadal said afterwards.
“He is a very dangerous player but lacks consistency,” Nadal added.
“I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I think he’s a good guy.”
The match lasted over three hours, with Kyrgios crumpling to the ground after claiming the win over the world No 2.
“I’m different, Rafa’s different,” Krygios rebuffed.
“He doesn’t know the journey I have been through. He doesn’t know anything about me so I’m not going to listen at all.
“That’s the way I play. He’s very slow in between points. The rule in the book says you have to play at the speed of the server. Rafa has the speed every time.
“I’m not going to comment on his game. He has got his game and I have got mine.”
