Nick Kyrgios tears into ‘jealous’ Todd Woodbridge as ugly Australian Open feud erupts

Nick Kyrgios has come out swinging in defense of his close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, accusing Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge of being ‘jealous’ of today’s stars on the ATP circuit.

It follows that Woodbridge criticized the injury-ravaged Kokkinakis for his decision to play in a financially lucrative Russian exhibition event late last year ahead of the Australian Open.

Kokkinakis, 28, withdrew from the Brisbane International after Christmas due to a ‘minor hip problem’ – and subsequently withdrew from the Adelaide International.

Many tennis fans feared ‘Kokk’ would not feature at Melbourne Park, but he did his best to beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin in his first round match in four grueling sets on Monday.

When asked about Woodbridge’s comments during his post-match conference, Kokkinakis brutally returned to his serve.

“That’s why he tries to host every game show under the sun,” he said in a not-so-subtle way to the Tipping point host on Channel Nine.

It comes after Woodbridge (pictured with wife Natasha Provis) criticized injury-ravaged Kokkinakis for his decision to play in a financially lucrative Russian exhibition event ahead of the Australian Open late last year.

Nick Kyrgios ripped into Todd Woodbridge via an Instagram story (photo) on Tuesday.

“We’re trying to make as much money as he does.”

Kyrgios then ripped into Woodbridge via an Instagram story.

‘Facts!! We earn 6-7 figures here with these ‘exos’ [exhibition matches] – we have every right to go get that money!!,” he posted.

“The game is a lot more physical now than it was when some of these older heads played.

‘Don’t be jealous, we earn bread!! ‘We deserve it! With you @the_kokk1.’

Kokkinakis and Kyrgios will be on court together on Thursday in the opening round of the men’s doubles against compatriots Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.

The outsiders memorably won the doubles title together in 2022.

Kyrgios has stated that their intention is to ‘go out and have a bit of fun’ as they enjoy being on the pitch as ‘champions from the past’.

Meanwhile, leading US doubles analyst Will Boucek has called on Kyrgios to channel his energy elsewhere following his straight-sets defeat to Scot Jacob Fearnley in the men’s singles.

After being outclassed by the world number 92, Kyrgios suggested his time playing singles at his home slam could be over.

Many tennis fans feared Thanasi Kokkinakis would not play at Melbourne Park due to injury, but he dug deep to beat Russian Roman Safiullin in his first round match (pictured)

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios after winning the men’s double title at the 2022 Australian Open

“I really believe that if he focuses on doubles, he has the skills to potentially become the best doubles player in the world,” Boucek said.

‘There are a few things that make him particularly good in doubles.

“He can take returns very early… and what that does is it completely neutralizes the opponent’s net player.

‘So the ball goes very quickly past the server’s partner and back to the server. He can also spin and volley with it.’

Boucek also believes Kyrgios is naturally more talented than the retired Roger Federer.

“He has every opportunity and would certainly be second to none with his skills,” he said.

‘Potentially his ball skills are among the best of all time, and his serve is obviously huge, which will make it easy.

“He’s tall, so he has a long reach, so he’s good in the net for his partner and can cover a lot of area.

“So I definitely think he could be one of the best, if not the best, doubles players in the world if he wants to focus on that.”