Rugby League legend Matthew Johns has publicly lambasted Nick Kyrgios for his performance and behaviour at the Shanghai Masters.
The controversial Australian tennis star was heard telling his courtside fans that he would walk off the court if he lost the first set. Sure enough, he retired early after losing the set to American Steve Johnson.
Kyrgios later took to Twitter to apologize to his fans, citing a stomach ache as the reason he left. He has been fined $40 000 by the ATP.
Matthew Johns and Mark Geyer criticised Kyrgios’s conduct on their Triple M morning radio show, The Grill. Each of them expressed how disappointed they were with the performance of the World No. 21.
“It’s embarrassing behaviour, and it’s offensive the deliberate lack of effort from this individual,” said Johns, “People pay good money to watch this match. He tells supporters courtside that if he loses the first set he’s going to walk off”.
The tennis star hit back via Twitter, referencing Johns’ involvement in a group sex controversy in 2002.
In an interview in 2009, Johns confessed to his role in the controversy, seeing him stood down from channel 9’s The Footy Show.
clipper
Guest
A bit of an insult to average low life bums to compare them to Matt Johns - don't think he was ever an inner city Sydney boy though.
clipper
Guest
completely agree chris - I don't condone Kyrios at all, but he's never sunk to that fools level. The great shame is Kyrgios can be both affable and talented, it just seems like it doesn't happen often. The other guys Marshall mentions just don't have the same explosive talent.
Simoc
Guest
I agree. Matt Johns is a complete tool. Why would anyone employ this alleged rapist. Being a white inner city Sydney boy obviously is his only asset. He is your average low life bum. Kyrgious is an international tennis star and in demand all over the world.
Joe
Guest
Since when did Matty Johns become a league "legend?" His brother was on of the greats, but Matty was just a run of the mill player.
Yawn
Guest
Yup, you f*** one goat...
chris
Guest
Some good points Marshall but Matt Johns dishing it out is laughable. The man has zero credibility in regards to ethics. Why is he still in the media?
Geoff
Guest
Kyrgios is a petulant child being found out weekly on the big stage. He's not up to the challenges of being a professional sportsman. No shame in that but there's plenty of shame in his reactions to that realization. His parents have a lot to answer for, he clearly wasn't brought up with much respect for anything other than his own whims. Oh and yes, this headline is garbage
Marshall
Guest
More like Johns rightfully pointed out Nick's professional shortcomings which bring the game into disrupute and shortchange spectators who have paid to come through the gate and Nick responded with a personal shot about a decade and a half old incident that is a complete straw man on his inability to actually give 100% on the tennis court and respect the fans. The guy is a fool and we need to stop giving him airtime and focus on young tennis players like Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson and John Millman who are great ambassadors for the sport and go about things in a humble way giving their all.
Daniel
Guest
Or the heat.... Lukewarm banter?
John
Guest
Heated dispute? Where is the dispute?