- The tennis maverick exited the Australian Open in the first round
- He has been criticized as a “29-year-old child” in a wild spray
Nick Kyrgios has hit back at Kane Cornes after the football great turned TV commentator slammed him as Australia's most disappointing sports star in a wild outpouring on Thursday.
The tennis maverick was the Australian Open starter until his much-hyped return from injury ended with a straight-sets first-round loss to Jacob Fearnley on Monday night.
After the match, Kyrgios surprised his fans by saying it was probably the last time he would play singles at his home Grand Slam.
Cornes, known for his outspoken criticism, lashed out at the star in a withering outburst on breakfast radio.
“We talk about this guy too much,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“Despite being the most disappointing Australian athlete of all time, he will still have a role to play as people are interested in him.
Nick Kyrgios has returned duty after receiving a series of withering insults from football star turned commentator Kane Cornes.
Cornes (pictured) slammed the tennis maverick as a “29-year-old” who is unrivaled as the most disappointing sports star Australia has ever produced.
'This is a guy who sits there and criticizes everyone else. He sits in his high position and criticizes everyone, be it ball boys, linesmen and other opponents.
'Look at the class in which Roger Federer or other players with similar levels of talent to Nick behaved.
'It's a boy. He is a 29 year old boy. The way he carries himself and the ambassador he has been puts all that into the mix, I don't think anyone has disappointed more.
“No one has been talked about more and with less results than this guy for a long time.”
Kyrgios responded to X, tagging Cornes and writing: “Love the comments from an athlete who didn't play a world sport, appreciate the kind words bro.”
Cornes then responded, “What about a failed firefighter?”, referring to his brief stint in that job after retiring as a player in 2015.
However, the Wimbledon finalist wasn't finished, replying: “To be fair, I didn't even know who you were,” with a crying-laughing emoji.
Sports fans appeared to side with the former Port Adelaide star as they reacted to Kyrgios' online belittling.
Kyrgios criticized Cornes (and Aussie Rules football) on his return to X (pictured) but most fans were squarely siding with the former Port Adelaide star.
The Canberran (pictured during their first round loss at this year's Australian Open) also intervened in a dispute between teammate Thanasi Kokkinakis and Todd Woodbridge.
“At least Kane gave 100% every time he played,” one wrote.
'Bro Aussie rules require a ticker to play at the highest level, something you lack. “It is not a global sport because most nations would not be able to play it,” another added.
“You did more in one sport than you've ever done in a world sport… Still a waste of talent,” a third commented.
'Don't do this. You have a heart the size of a dehydrated tic tac, cat,” wrote another.
Cornes also criticized Canberran for his apparent attack on Cruz Hewitt after the teenager posted a photo showing him with world number one Jannik Sinner, who has been on the end of multiple attacks by Kyrgios since testing positive for a substance. prohibited. .
Referencing a report about Kyrgios withdrawing from a charity match due to injury shortly before the start of this year's Australian Open, Cornes wrote on X: “It's Cruz Hewitt's fault.”
Kyrgios has made more headlines this week by intervening in fellow great Thanasi Kokkinakis' dispute with Tood Woodbridge after the tennis great claimed he damaged his preparation for the Open by playing a tournament in Russia for money instead of concentrating on preparing. his body for the tournament. .
kThen, Yrgios 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.'