Nick Kyrgios was essentially the most talked about Australian athlete when Shane Warne despatched him a letter. The tennis star by no means learn it.
The former Wimbledon finalist on Saturday (AEDT) opened up in a revealing sit-down with Piers Morgan and has been broadly praised for feedback he made concerning the psychological well being points athletes face.
He additionally spoke candidly concerning the racism himself and his household have skilled in Australia since he rocketed to fame.
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Morgan additionally requested Kyrgios a troublesome query concerning the notorious scandals that plagued his earlier years on the ATP Tour — headlined by his ugly comment about Stanislas Wawrinka’s former girlfriend Donna Vekic. He was in the identical yr suspended for 16 weeks by the ATP Tour after a string of behavioural points.
Morgan requested Kyrgios about an open letter Warne posted on Facebook on the time the place the cricket icon informed him to “grow up”.
In a submit preferred greater than 3000 instances, Warne instructed Kyrgios ought to have been banned for 12 months if he’d continued to disrespect the game.
“Nick, grow up, you’ve got an unbelievable talent, be the best tennis player you can, be silly, have fun, but just don’t be stupid,” Warne wrote.
“That might be the pot calling the kettle black, because I’ve done some stupid things, but here’s the thing, I’m nearly 48 years of age and I’ve learnt from my mistakes.
“I’ve been there and I’ve done that, and I actually think in a funny sort of way I could probably help Nick Kyrgios a lot.”
Kyrgios informed Morgan this week he by no means learn the message.
“I saw it and didn’t read it, but yeah, look, I feel like I’ve been the closest Australian player in the last decade to win a Grand Slam. I made the final. I’ve had a pretty successful career. I feel like I’ve won a lot more than I’ve lost,” he informed Piers Morgan Uncensored.
“Able to provide for my family, friends and yeah respected by millions around the world, obviously. And yeah, I’ve done it my way. At the end of the day, I know that there’s other Australian athletes who just wanted to see me succeed.
“I’ve only ever supported most of them as well and I’ve only wanted the best for them. I’ve never, never going to be the first one to go out on social media and put someone down. If someone does that to me, I’ll respond. But yeah, I look back at that letter and I look back at how far I’ve come and I’d say he would be proud for sure.”
Warne is much from the one Aussie sporting icon exterior of tennis to talk out about Kyrgios with former AFL participant Wayne Carey final yr saying Kyrgios had hidden behind a lie about his professionalism all through his complete profession.
Warne on the time additionally did an interview speaking about Kyrgios the place he stated Australia was able to embrace the tennis participant if he began to indicate respect to the game.
“Because we all want him to do well, and hoping the penny drops and he performs well, we’re a bit lenient on him,” Warne stated.
“I think if we actually punished him properly, the next time he steps out of line, say: ‘This is unacceptable’. Whether it be from the Australian tennis, or whatever, if you want to be a tennis player for Australia and represent your country, we’ll embrace you, your flair, your character.
“We’re happy for you to do some silly things if that’s what you want to do. No problem.
“But if you overstep the line, smashing, throwing your racquet, abusing people, just belittling people, and not showing respect for the game … we might ban you for 12 months.”
Warne stated it was essential Kyrgios stored his aptitude however simply toned down the antics.
Warne’s personal profession had the identical arc of being affected by early scandals however he completed his cricket profession as one of many best to ever play the game — and one of the cherished Australian athletes of al time. Warne died in March 2022 from a suspected coronary heart assault. He was 52.
“He’s so talented, super talented, but I don’t think he respects the game. McEnroe respected the game,” he stated.
“He’s openly said he doesn’t like tennis … well, what are you doing it for?
“That’s why you’re seeing some of the things happening with Kyrgios.
You’ve got to remember he’s young, too. But all I’d like to see him do is respect the game and give himself a chance.
“I think all of Australia want to like Kyrgios. We want to barrack for him. But we all eye-roll and go ‘What did you do that for? What a so-and-so’.
“That’s disappointing for everyone. We don’t like him to do that stuff.
“There’s still room for his flair and to be a character, but stepping over the line and being a spoilt brat at 20 years of age, or 21 or whatever he is, it’s just not good. You can’t do that in this current day.”
Source: www.news.com.au
