Nick Kyrgios wasn’t happy with what he was hearing during the Christmas Day contest between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Tasmanian Jack Jumpers.
The Phoenix emerged victorious in the blockbuster contest, running away to secure the 85-77 win in the final quarter.
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Kyrgios, a part-owner of the Phoenix, took to social media following the stunning win but took aim at Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze over his negative bias towards the club.
“Since day 1 @AndrewGaze10 hated on @SEMelbPhoenix … have never heard you say anything positive about the club,” Kyrgios wrote.
“I know @MelbUnited hangs your jersey during its games, but come on, bro … I know you were a great player, but some objectivity as a broadcaster would be appreciated,” Kyrgios, who has not played since mid-January and pulled out of all four majors due to injury, wrote.
Gaze admitted the remarks from the tennis star took him by surprise, but backed in his commentary work in the direction of the expansion club.
“I’m unsure of specifically what I said today that upset Nick (but) I’m comfortable that I, along with (fellow commentators) Jack (Heverin) and Liam (Santamaria), provided a balanced opinion of the good and not so good for both teams,” Gaze told Code Sports.
“Fortunately there have been many connected with the Phoenix who do not support or agree with Nick’s assessment of my commentary.”
While Kyrgios’ comments may have ruffled some feathers, Phoenix majority Romie Chaudhari back him up by replying: “Facts … Couldn’t have said it any better!”
The feud becomes the latest for Kyrgios after he ignited a war of words with tennis legend Boris Becker.
The pair have traded insults, with Kyrgios claiming in The Athletic that today’s players would “destroy” their counterparts from previous eras.
That earnt the ire of Becker, who fired back on X, formerly Twitter, posting: “Nick makes a lot of noise about tennis lately!?! Why does he speak about a sport he apparently hates?”
The German legend also referenced Kyrgios’ recent move to OnlyFans and said he lacked credibility given his lack of success.
Kyrgios, who will miss next month’s Australian Open due to injury, then hit back with a thinly veiled swipe at Becker’s legal troubles and time in jail for hiding assets after declaring for bankruptcy.
The drama has resurfaced, with Becker telling Eurosport that Kyrgios should thank former players for being in the position he is today.
“It’s simple, you have to respect the past of our sport, in addition to publicly thanking the former players,” he said.
“You must be grateful that they existed: Without them, the tennis circus would not continue to exist. There have never been so many monetary prizes and there has never been as much publicity as there is today.
“Why? For the legends of this sport. All these players made it possible for Nick Kyrgios not to play tennis all year round and that, even so, he can make a living with this sport.”
Kyrgios, 28, saw the comments online and unleashed a furious return on X.
“Bro what? I’ve been one of the FEW PLAYERS that have brought millions more fans to the sport and have made more money for everyone,” he posted.
“NETFLIX … don’t remember seeing Boris on there (the show Break Point).
“(The) guy is ridiculous. I’ve made my career off the court without the help of others.”
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