Fighting talk in a doubles bust-up
NICK KYRGIOS and his partner claim they were challenged to a fight after knocking the No.1 seeds out of the Australian Open men’s doubles.
His fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis tweeted: “That was crazy. Thought it was UFC.”
Wimbledon and Olympic champions Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic complained about the crowd noise in the Kia Arena after they lost 7-6, 6-3.
TV footage showed Kyrgios and Kokkinakis having an animated exchange with the Croatian pair and their entourage.
Kyrgios later tweeted: “Just letting you know after yesterday’s chop fest in doubles my opponents’ coach and trainer proceeded to threaten to fight in the players’ gym.
“Tennis is a soft soft sport. All because I moved and hit them with a tennis ball.”
Daniil Medvedev claimed Aussie fans who jeered between his serves during his singles win over Kyrgios had a “low
IQ”.
And Pavic accused the crowd of being disrespectful. He said: “Obviously they cheer for Aussies. It wouldn’t hurt them to show some respect to all opponents.”
Former pro and commentator Sam Groth claimed: “Kokkinakis messaged me as it was happening. He said, ‘I got accosted in the locker room by Pavic’s fitness trainer’.
Obviously they weren’t very happy – they are the No.1 team in the world.”
World No.2 Medvedev (right) sought to rebuild bridges with the crowd in the Rod Laver Arena. After beating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4
6-4 6-2 the Russian said: “Put it this way, it’s easier to play a guy from the Netherlands than a guy from Australia in Melbourne.
“I think every relationship must have its ups and downs but I hope there’ll be more good times than bad times otherwise it doesn’t work.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas staved off the incendiary Benoit Paire to reach the fourth round after four tough sets but didn’t realise he’d won.
When Paire hit a forehand into the net on match-point, fourth seed Tsitsipas walked to the back of the court rather than approaching the net as fans cheered.
The Greek turned in surprise when the result was called out by the umpire.
It wasn’t the first time the former semi-finalist had been confused.
On being cautioned for courtside coaching earlier in the contest, Tsitsipas said: “I have no idea.
“I was really far away from my coach so I was just laughing because I don’t know where that came from.
“It was completely unexpected.”