Nick Kyrgios was more bemused than offended by Alexander Zverev’s harsh critique of his game and is in no mood for an off-court stoush in Melbourne.
Many thought Zverev may had struck a nerve when he believed Kyrgios wasn’t consistent enough over five sets to be successful at grand slams.
“There are a lot of young guys that are right now, no offence, just better than him,” Zverev said when asked about Kyrgios’ chances at the Australian Open.
The spirited Canberran has returned fire when met with gentler criticism in the past, but wasn’t willing to engage in a war of words with the German No.7.
“I’m not going to entertain that too much,” Kyrgios said on Saturday.
“With everything going on, that’s the least of my worries. He’s a great player. I’m not quite sure where those comments come from.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean them in a bad way.
“But if he did, then I’m sorry for whatever I’ve done to you.”
Zverev’s comments raised eyebrows given his own underwhelming performances at grand slams.
Despite his reputation as tennis’ next big thing and a wold ranking as high as No.3, the 22-year-old is yet to make it past the quarter-final stage at a slam.
He and Kyrgios have built up a healthy rivalry as young stars on the rise.
The Australian world No.26 leads their head-to-head clashes 4-3 and won their most recent meeting in the final at Acapulco last March.
Kyrgios will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego in a first-round encounter at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old, who has won widespread praise for his recent efforts in raising funds for bushfire-ravaged communities, admitted he hadn’t yet turned his full focus to his seventh Australian Open campaign.
“I guess my mind is still not completely on the tennis side of things,” he said.
“Obviously with what’s going on, still it’s tough.
“With the fires … people are losing their families, homes, and it’s not easy to just completely switch your concentration on the Australian Open.
“At the same time I have to find the balance. I have to go out there and try to get the best out of my game.
“But when I’m playing, at the moment, I’m playing for a lot more than myself.”
