Nick Kyrgios says he’s “one of the only people in tennis in Australia” to have stood up for exiled star Bernard Tomic, with the pair caught up in a bizarre war of words.
Tomic, who recently declared his intentions to make another big run in tennis, addressed fans earlier this month about his desire to return to the top, where he was asked about Kyrgios.
The 29-year-old, now ranked at No.260, was asked by an Instagram user who the better player at the peak of their powers was.
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“I still am,” Tomic said at the time. “Obviously Nick is a good player, probably top six or seven servers in the world, [but I] obviously beat him in Kooyong 6-3, 6-4.
“Because I trained with him, I pick where he’s serving, and I know where he’s at. [Kyrgios’] style doesn’t really bother me.”
While the pair have joined forces to play doubles on several occasions, Kyrgios and Tomic have just one career meeting to date.
Tomic in 2019 defeated Kyrgios 6-3 6-4 at the Kooyong Classic, which at the time was just a tune-up match for the Australian Open.
Responding to Tomic’s cheekily sledge, Kyrgios spoke about how he’s always supported the exiled star.
“I’m probably one of the only people in tennis in Australia that’s stood up for him multiple times,” Kyrgios told the Herald and The Age.
“I’ve done things for him, my family, my brother’s done things for him.”
Tomic for several years now has been forced to qualify for the Australian Open, rather than be given a wild card entry due to his controversial relationship with Tennis Australia.
Kyrgios said he would be surprised to ever face off with Tomic again.
“I’m not sure [if they will play each other this summer], but as far as I’m aware, I don’t think he is even in the Australian summer,” Kyrgios added.
“I haven’t seen his name anywhere, or what tournaments he is playing.”
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