Nick Kyrgios hits back at John McEnroe after crashing out of the Australian Open
NICK KYRGIOS took a swipe at John McEnroe after he threw away a two-set lead to Andreas Seppi in the Australian Open.
Nick Kyrgios takes sarcastic swipe at John McEnroe
McEnroe claimed Kyrgios stopped trying towards the end of the second round match as he crashed out of his home Grand Slam.
The 21-year-old also lost a match point before losing 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-2 10-8.
The volatile Aussie was issued with two warnings - for swearing and racquet abuse - before losing to the world no. 89.
Nick Kyrgios hit back at John McEnroe after crashing out of the Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios crashed out of the Australian Open to Andreas Seppi
Nick Kyrgios threw away two sets and a match point to crash out in the second round
But he reacted angrily in the post match press conference when quizzed on McEnroe's thoughts.
"Well, my body was sore. I was hurting," Kyrgios said. "I mean, John McEnroe, was it John McEnroe? Good on him. Great career. Good on him."
Kyrgios's 2016 season was ended by an ATP suspension for "not trying" at the Shanghai Masters, a ban that was curtailed when he agreed to see a sport's psychologist.
It was not the first time McEnroe had criticised Kyrgios's attitude, either.
Nick Kyrgios came under fire from John McEnroe for his performance
I don't know, mate. Ask Johnny Mac. He knows everything
After a listless effort in his loss to Andy Murray at Wimbledon last year, the American said Kyrgios had to act fast before his problem got "chronic and irreparable".
Wednesday's criticism clearly stuck in Kyrgios's craw and he returned to it when asked to describe the pain in his knee.
"I don't know, mate. Ask Johnny Mac," he said. "He knows everything."
Kyrgios again referred reporters to McEnroe when asked whether he had been in touch with his sport's psychologist this week.
"Johnny Mac will know, mate," he said. "Just talk to him. He knows everything."