Nick Kyrgios has taken an extraordinary swipe at Pat Cash after the tennis legend threw a punch at the Australian Open crowd.
Former Wimbledon champion Cash, 58, claimed crowds at Melbourne Park have “gone out of control”, with raucous behavior dividing the tennis community in recent years.
“I think the Australian public has gone a bit out of control over the last decade,” Cash said.
“Encourage your fellow countrymen, no problems, but they do not represent your country, they are individual and I think we should understand that.”
But Kyrgios’ vision couldn’t be further from Cash’s. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 28-year-old branded the Australian hero as ‘an old head’.
Nick Kyrgios has hit Pat Cash in a scathing attack after his raucous comments from the crowd
The crowd’s raucous behavior at the event has increased in recent years, with several stars complaining about drunk and rowdy fans
“(It was an) absolutely stupid comment from another old man who has no idea how marketing or how things work these days,” he said at QT Melbourne.
‘You need entertainment. This generation does not have a long attention span. That’s why you see clips rolling on Instagram. They last 15-20 seconds.
“Someone like Pat Cash couldn’t grasp that concept. And I’m not taking anything away from Pat Cash. A great player of his generation, but we must continue to grow the sport for fans around the world.”
Reflecting on his experiences with the Australian Open crowd, Kyrgios – who will miss the tournament due to injury – emphasized that fans should feel involved in the match.
‘We need the public to feel part of the sport. We need entertainment. We need people who drink beer and the players who love it. We need human interaction. We are humans, not robots. We need it to be so.
“That year (2022) was incredible. Ash Barty played some of the best tennis of her career. She won the Grand Slam. Me and Thanasi won the Grand Slam. And it was the highest number of viewers.
‘That’s no coincidence. It was Ash who put on a great show with her tennis quality, and Thanasi and I did it in a different way.
‘There is entertainment value in everything I do on and off the field, by drawing attention to it. It just makes more money for everyone in the sport. That’s all it does. And if Pat Cash can’t see that: stubborn, old, stuck in his ways.’
Kyrgios will be hoping to shake up tennis off the court, with the Australian set to feature in Eurosport’s coverage of the tournament.
Cash described the situation as “out of control” in a recent interview, but Kyrgios doesn’t think so
Working with the likes of John McEnroe and Tim Henman, Kyrgios believes he can offer a fresh perspective on the next generation of stars.
“It’s incredible to have guys like McEnroe, this old generation, there and talking about it, but the sport has evolved,” he said of the current televised offering.
“You have guys like Tiafoe, you have these young guys Sinner, Alcaraz. This is a new generation.
“I spent time with these people. I’ve been in the same locker room, I’ve eaten with them, I’ve showered with them, I’ve played against them. It gives the viewers a different concept of tennis.
“That new story is important for viewers to continue to grow the sport.”
Alex de Minaur is Australia’s best hope for a fairytale victory on home soil this year after the 24-year-old defeated Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in the build-up.
Kyrgios believes that his compatriot should not be excluded.
“I think he definitely has a chance,” he said. “I’ve seen how much he’s grown as a competitor and as a player. It was great to see.
‘To see what he does. It’s just the beginning. He is an incredibly hard worker. Very professional. I think he has a chance, but I don’t know how he will do against players like Sinner, Djokovic, Alcaraz over five sets, and also against some of the bigger players like Medvedev, but I think he has a fighting chance. ‘
The 28-year-old does not allow himself to be ruffled during his work as an expert
He has also backed Alex de Minaur to make a big impression at the Australian Open
As for Kyrgios’ playing future, it remains uncertain with the Canberra-born star sidelined for the time being with wrist and knee injuries.
The game has missed his unique style and personality on the pitch, but when asked for the best compliment he has received during his career, the outspoken star was stunned.
“To be honest, not much. I feel like when I came on the scene, I was very different from the normal tennis player. So I took everyone by storm, especially in the tennis world.
“I grew up in a non-privileged lifestyle. I deserved everything that was given to me. I could only play one way. I was passionate. I wore my emotions on my sleeve. I loved to compete. Everything I’ve accomplished…still faced a lot of criticism for the way I carry myself or the way I do things.
‘It was very difficult sometimes. It brought me to a dark place. I think I now understand that I am not able to please everyone. I have millions of fans who appreciate what I do. And on the other hand, I have people who disagree.
‘But that is sport after all. I think it’s healthy to have people who want to see you win and people who don’t want to see you win. It’s not realistic to have everyone on your side.
‘What I like best is that I do a lot of charity work. I have my base. I now try to do a lot of things off the field to raise awareness about mental health.
“I think people will eventually realize that and I think that’s special because I’ve always wanted to be remembered for the things I do off the field, rather than on the field.”