Nick Kyrgios has accused Tennis Australia officials of not respecting him after he missed out on winning a top award in his home country.
The Wimbledon finalist was among a group of players shortlisted for the prestigious Newcome medal. Named after seven-time grand slam champion John Newcombe, the Newcombe medal is presented annually to the ‘most outstanding’ player in Australian tennis.
This year’s honour was awarded to Ash Barty who has won it for the fifth time. Barty became the first home player in 44 years to win the women’s Australian Open title before retiring from the sport in March at the age of 25. She also won the Adelaide International in January.
“I stand here very proudly knowing that I absolutely fulfilled every ounce that I could do to this beautiful sport and it brought me so much more than I could have ever dreamed,” Barty said on Tuesday.
However, Kyrgios has taken an aim at officials for failing to recognize him for his achievements in 2022. Besides reaching his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, he won the Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis and the Citi Open. He also qualified for the year-end ATP Finals with Kokkinakis.
In a story posted on Instagram, the world No.22 wrote ‘lol (laugh out loud), no respect at all. I don’t give a f***.’ Alongside Kyrgios’ remarks on social media, was a picture comparing his and Barty’s performance in the sport this year. Combining both singles and doubles results, Kyrgios has won more titles (4-3) and matches (61-14).
It is not the first time Kyrgios has questioned the level of support he receives from those in his home country. In a recent interview with the Australian Associated Press, he admitted that part of his decision to not play in the Davis Cup is linked to the lack of support he has received from fans.
So far in his career, the only time 27-year-old Kyrgios won the Newcome medal was in 2014.
LIST OF NEWCOMBE MEDALLISTS
2021: Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott
2020: No award (due to Covid-19)
2019: Ash Barty
2018 Ash Barty and Alex de Minaur
2017: Ash Barty
2016: Dylan Alcott
2015: Sam Groth
2014: Nick Kyrgios
2013: Lleyton Hewitt
2012: Sam Stosur
2011: Sam Stosur
2010: Sam Stosur
Source: Tennis Australia
