'Show some compassion': Nick Kyrgios' blunt bushfire message for PM
Nick Kyrgios has urged Australian politicians to ‘show some compassion’ and accused the government of being too slow to respond to the bushfire crisis.
In the lead up to the Australian Open, Kyrgios took to sports website Athletes Voice to express his thoughts on the ongoing disaster, which has led to several deaths and thousands of homes being lost in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
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The notoriously unpredictable tennis ace admitted it had been difficult to concentrate on playing tennis as the disaster continued to unfold.
Kyrgios said he wasn’t convinced Prime Minister Scott Morrison had responded effectively enough to the crisis.
“As the leader of our country, I don’t think Scott Morrison has done enough to be honest.
“At the very least, he was far too slow to act, while people were losing their lives and families were losing their homes. There is nothing worse than that.
“Right now, nothing is more important than helping these people and putting the fires out. So, if I could say anything to our politicians, it’s imagine you’re in the same position as these people who have been impacted.
“Imagine that the fires have come through, and you’ve lost everything except the clothes on your back.
“Think about those things, and show some compassion. Put everything else aside for however long it takes, and let’s get this sorted.”
Tennis stars’ fundraising efforts continue
Kyrgios kicked off a flood of donations and appeals from international tennis stars visiting the country for the Australian Open.
After initially pledging $200 for every ace her serves, Kyrgios revealed his own donation would be matched by recently retired NBA great Dirk Nowitzki.
His fundraising tally sits at 11,200, having hit 56 aces in three ATP Cup matches so far.
Many others, including the likes of Serena Williams, Ash Barty and Belinda Bencic notable contributors.
Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Kyrgios himself will also headline a one-off charity event on January 15 to raise money for bushfire relief efforts.
