Nick Kyrgios cries against 'jealous' Todd Woodbridge as ugly row breaks out at Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios has come to the defense of his close companion Thanasi Kokkinakis, accusing his critic and Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge of being “jealous” of today's stars.

Woodbridge criticized the injury-plagued Kokkinakis for his decision to play in a financially lucrative Russian exhibition event late last year, saying it compromised his preparation for the Australian Open.

Kokkinakis, 28, subsequently withdrew from the Brisbane International after Christmas due to a “small hip problem” and then withdrew from the Adelaide International.

Many tennis fans feared 'Kokk' would not be present at Melbourne Park, but he beat Russian Roman Safiullin in his first round match on Monday in four grueling sets.

When asked about Woodbridge's comments in his post-match conference, Kokkinakis returned serve in brutal fashion.

“That's why he's trying to host every game show under the sun,” he said in an interview with Nine host Tipping Point.

Nick Kyrgios has come to the defense of close teammate Thanasi Kokkinakis, accusing Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge of being “jealous” of current stars on the ATP circuit.

It comes after Woodbridge (pictured with wife Natasha Provis) criticized injury-plagued Kokkinakis for his decision to play in a financially lucrative Russian exhibition event late last year ahead of the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios then lashed out at Todd Woodbridge via an Instagram Story (pictured) on Tuesday.

“We're trying to make as much of a living as he does.”

Kyrgios then broke into Woodbridge via an Instagram story.

'Facts!! Here we earn between 6 and 7 figures in these 'exo' (exhibition matches). We have every right to go get that money!!', he posted.

“The game is a lot more physical now than when some of these older bosses played.

'Don't be jealous, we earn our bread!! 'WE EARNED IT! With you @the_kokk1.'

Kokkinakis and Kyrgios will be on court together on Thursday in the first round of the men's doubles against fellow Australians Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.

The Mavericks memorably won the 2022 Australian Open men's doubles title together.

Kyrgios has stated that their intention is to “go out and have a bit of fun” as they enjoy being on the court as “former champions”.

Leading American doubles analyst Will Boucek said Kyrgios has what it takes to become a successful doubles specialist if his body cannot handle the singles workload.

After losing to world number 92 Jacob Fearnley in the first round of men's singles, Kyrgios suggested his His time playing singles at his home Slam could be over.

Many tennis fans feared Thanasi Kokkinakis would not be present at Melbourne Park due to injury, but he battled deep to beat Russian Roman Safiullin in his first round match (pictured).

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios after winning the men's double title at the 2022 Australian Open

“I really believe that if he focuses on doubles, he has the skills to potentially be the best doubles player in the world,” Boucek said.

“There are some things that make him specifically good at doubles.

“You can get returns very early… and what that does is totally neutralize the opposing net player.”

'So the ball goes very quickly to the server's partner and back to the server. He can also spin and volley with it.'

Boucek feels Kyrgios has more natural talent than retired great Roger Federer.

“He has all the shots and will surely be unrivaled with his skill set,” he said.

“Potentially his ball skills are some of the best of all time and obviously his serve is huge, which will make it easy.”

“He's tall, so he has a lot of reach, so he's good at netting for his partner and can cover a lot of area.”

“So I absolutely think he could be one of the best doubles players in the world, if not the best, if he wants to focus on it.”