Khachanov to Kyrgios: “Before criticizing my intellect, read a book and quit video games”

Nick Kyrgios continues to 'make friends' while continuing his training in Australia after giving up competing for the remainder of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic (he did not play the US Open and also resigned from Roland Garros). The latest controversy of the Australian, who in these months has shown Very critical of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Pablo Carreño or Boris Becker among others, it has been with the Russian Karen Khachanov, number 16 in the ATP ranking (currently Kyrgios is 42).

It all started with the statements of Kyrgios charging at Wilander after the former Swedish tennis player criticized Andy Murray's level after falling to Stan Wawrinka after receiving an invitation from the tournament, in which Kyrgios had Wilander shut up and ensure that he has never seen a point of his.

From there Karen Khachanov tried to reassure the Australian with this message. “Nick, come on buddy, it's too much, show some respect,” to which Kyrgios responded. “Nothing, I'm a good guy. Muzz (Murray) and I respect each other and if someone starts talking about one of my own then I'll go get them. Am I supposed to respect Mats? Why? For hitting balls on the net? I don't respect him for that “

However, Khachanov gave up on helping Kyrgios after this reply. “Brother, it's your decision. I think you are a good guy and I have no problem with you. But once you are home and write different comments about the players it makes me wonder who really has the problem …”. The Australian replied by recriminating the attitude of certain players during the break. “So you think the players have been smart during the pandemic? I'd love to have an intellectual conversation with you but I'm not sure we'll go any further than how hard you can hit a ball. I've just held people accountable. “ Kyrgios later added: “Sorry, I live in Australia and I don't want to travel right now. But again, I'm not surprised if you don't have the ability to understand it. But tennis players lately are giving me a lot of entertainment. I got rap, shirtless dances and beat up the linesmen “ on a new dart towards Novak Djokovic for his controversial Adria Tour in addition to his incident at the US Open.

Khachanov replied to Kyrgios after these accusations in which he was ironic about his intelligence. “Again, I have nothing personal against you. It's you who wants to fight. If you don't understand what I'm trying to say, then maybe you're 'too smart' to understand.. Enjoy your days at home. And next time before talking about my intellect read at least a few books instead of playing video games all day “. Kyrgios responded with the work he has done during the break in Australia. “I have also been feeding the hungry and helping open new facilities for children to be active. But the way you investigate is from a real pelican “

Following Khachanov's 'request' to Kyrgios to read books, the Australian took it with derision. “Books with photos do not count, judging by how you have constructed that phrase,” to which the Russian also responded with irony. “In fact, I recommend that you start with the picture books.”

Khachanov and Kyrgios have met twice on the ATP circuit with one win each (In the last match at the Australian Open this year, Kyrgios won in five sets after four hours and 26 minutes of play) and it will be necessary to see how both players will react when they meet again on a court after this scuffle in the social networks.