Advertisement

Philippoussis dishes out brutal advice to Kyrgios

Aussie tennis great Mark Philippoussis has weighed in on the Nick Kyrgios Wimbledon saga, and 'The Scud' certainly didn't mince words.

Philippoussis has been a vocal supporter of Kyrgios for many years, but after a poor showing in his fourth round defeat to Andy Murray in which he was slammed for a lack of effort, even he is finding it hard to defend the wayward phenom.

McENROE: Kyrgios not doing much for the sport

MURRAY: Kyrgios may need a psychologist

The former world No.8 was saddened by comments from Kyrgios after the match in which he said he was "too soft" to win a grand slam and "doesn't love tennis".

Kyrgios also admitted to playing video games when he should have been preparing for the crucial clash.

Philippoussis has since issued an impassioned plea to the 21-year-old, even suggesting he quit tennis.

"It's very hard to defend someone when you hear the things he has to say," Philippoussis told the official Wimbledon website.

Philippoussis made it as high as World No.8. Image: Getty
Philippoussis made it as high as World No.8. Image: Getty

"Certain things, when you're watching him play yesterday, it's very frustrating. But then to go on and hear the press conference...it's hard to defend someone when that happens.

"I believe that for him to have played the matches he has and to be as good as he is, you have to love the sport. That's my opinion.



Asked whether it was possible to learn to love the game, Philippoussis responded: "No. Then stop playing. Then why continue?

"Who cares if you've got raw talent if nothing's going to happen? (With) His raw talent he should be competing for grand slams.

"I'm being brutally honest because I'm a supporter, this is coming from a good place. I'm not ripping into the guy because I love the kid. This comes from a good place. I would tell this to his face."