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'Fair bit of hate': Doubles rival responds to Nick Kyrgios' dig

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Thanasi Kokkinakis (pictured left) and Nick Kyrgios (pictured right) speak after winning the doubles title at the Australian Open.
Max Purcell has attempted to quell any feud between Nick Kyrgios (pictured right) and himself after the Australian Open doubles final. (Getty Images)

Aussie doubles star Max Purcell has responded to Australian Open doubles champ Nick Kyrgios after the firebrand let rip at him following comments on the final.

Purcell accused Kyrgios and Kokkinakis of being disrespectful after their Australian Open final, which the 'Special K' won 7-5, 6-4.

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Purcell said in his post-match press conference: “I think it was great for ticket sales here but I’m not so sure how it was taken overseas.

“If you’re watching some of Nick and Thanasi’s matches earlier in the week and you’re overseas, maybe you get turned off tennis a little bit.”

Kyrgios responded with a strongly worded rebuke.

“As for Max Purcell you donut, regarding your comments after the match, you clearly have no idea about entertainment and sport,” he wrote.

“If you haven’t noticed there is a reason why people actually come to my matches. It’s because the level & my game are actually worth watching.

“Next time you lose another slam final, you should just put your head down and try to figure out how to play the big points better.

"No need to slate other Aussies in the media cuz people would rather watch paint dry than your S&V game style.”

Max Purcell responds to Nick Kyrgios' brutal dig

Purcell appeared on 107.7 Triple M Breakfast with Paddy and Rob Palmer on Monday and tried to quell any beef with Kyrgios.

The Aussie said he didn't have a problem with his two rivals, but rather some members of the crowd during the campaign.

"I woke up to a fair bit of hate. The press twist my quote and aim it at him," he said.

"They're bringing a lot to the sport. I can't take anything away from that. And they are exciting to watch and play against.

Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell deliver their remark after they lost the men's double match at the Australian Open.
Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell deliver their remark after they lost the men's double match at the Australian Open. (Photo by Recep Sakar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

"But, I just think some of the crowd they were bringing weren't quite respectful enough to their opponents.

"I've got nothing against them...I think the crowd took it upon themselves to go a little too far. But, I think it's great for tennis."

Purcell admitted the exposure the 'Special K' bring is great attention for doubles at grand slam events.

The Aussie did go on to say the atmosphere in the final was the best he had played in, bar from a few members of the crowd that caused some disturbance.

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