Nick Kyrgios hits out at tennis pundit in ugly Emma Raducanu furore
Nick Kyrgios has leapt to the defence of Emma Raducanu after the US Open champion came under fire from retired player Daniela Hantuchova.
Raducanu's alarming form slump continued at the Miami Open this week in a first-up loss to Katerina Siniakova.
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The British teenager has won just four matches since winning the US Open last year when she became the first qualifier to win a major in the Open Era.
Speaking after her loss to Siniakova, former World No.5 Hantuchova said Raducanu has lost the respect of her fellow players.
“That was a tough one for Emma. I think it is going to hurt big time because of the chances she had," the player-turned-pundit said.
"She was the better player for most of it. Siniakova is a great fighter and she showed why she has won all the big titles in doubles - she is not afraid of the big names.
"But the thing is now with Emma, everyone wants to beat her. Everyone is trying to figure out how to play against her.
"All the locker room respect she had after the US Open is now kind of going away which is a shame.
"It is going to be important now for Emma to regroup, rethink what she has to change and get out there on the practice court. There is no other way around it. Just keep putting the hard work in.”
Kim Clijsters also took aim at players who think they've "made it" without naming Raducanu specifically.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Kyrgios hit out in Raducanu's defence.
"What’s with old retired players giving their opinion on our stars now?" he posted on Twitter, referencing a video from Andy Roddick about how players can deal with their anger.
"I love A-rod and I agree we all need to chill with the rackets and all that, but geezus.
"I read an article about a past female player talking about Radacanu, no offence, but she is a far, far bigger name already."
What’s with old retired players giving their opinion on our stars now? I love A-rod and I agree we all need to chill with the rackets and all that, but geezus, I read an article about a past female player talking about radacanu, no offence but she is a far far bigger name already
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) March 27, 2022
Nick Kyrgios continues fine form at Miami Open
Meanwhile, Kyrgios has brushed aside the challenge of Italian star Fabio Fognini to cruised into the last 16 of the Miami Open.
Kyrgios cruised past his veteran opponent 6-2 6-4 in just 61 minutes on Sunday.
The Italian World No.34 was out of sorts in the opening set, struggling with his movement.
Kyrgios took full advantage and won the set in 28 minutes, breaking in the opening game and again in the seventh.
Fognini rallied in the second set despite appearing uncomfortable between points, but Kyrgios won 12 of the last 13 points to prevail.
"I wanted to keep the momentum going," Kyrgios said in his on-court interview.
"As soon as I had break points I wanted to take them.
"I served well and I am happy to be through. I am just returning well.
"My doubles has helped me a lot on my singles court. The way I am serving and returning is quite a sight to see."
Kyrgios is now 7-2 this year having arrived in Miami on the back of a run to the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
with AAP
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