Nick Kyrgios criticized for 'pathetic' message to Rafael Nadal after withdrawing from Australian Open 2024 just days before tournament starts: 'This man needs to make it about him'

Nick Kyrgios has empathized with Rafael Nadal's injury problems following the tennis star's Australian Open bombshell on Sunday, but his message has not gone down well with fans.

Nadal, 37, announced he will not participate in this year's tournament after suffering 'a small problem' at this week's Brisbane International.

This setback is the latest in a series of injuries that have hampered the all-conquering Spaniard throughout his illustrious career. His hip issue in 2023 left his coaches concerned he might not return to the field.

And Kyrgios, who himself had to withdraw from the tournament due to a wrist problem, said he fully understood Nadal's predicament.

“Feel for Rafa man,” he posted on Twitter. 'Get better quickly, that was my fear too, coming back a little too early…'

The 28-year-old said on Twitter that he empathizes with the Spaniard

But while some fans wished the pair would meet again on the pitch, others were somewhat unfairly critical of Kyrgios' message.

“At least think once before comparing yourself to the great Rafael Nadal,” said one fan.

Another added: “Because it's all about you.”

“Is there anything you're not going to make about yourself?!” a third fan asked.

“This isn't about you!” said a fourth troll.

The 28-year-old had a fantastic 2022 season, reaching the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic and winning the Australian Open doubles with good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Some tennis fans criticized Kyrgios for his message to the Spanish superstar

However, in 2023 he suffered a miserable series of injuries that limited him to only one professional match all year, a straight defeat to China's Wu Yibing at the Stuttgart Open in June.

The Australian star was not named in the main draw and confirmed on his newly created OnlyFans account that he will miss the local grand slam due to an ongoing wrist problem.

“Hey guys, Nick Kyrgios here, obviously had a really tough year with injury, had that knee surgery and came back a little early (which set me back a little bit, obviously had some wrist issues),” Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios also cannot play at the Melbourne tournament due to a wrist injury

“So this is a very disappointing time for me, but yes, I will not be able to participate in the 2024 Australian Open.

“Obviously it's heartbreaking, I've had so many great memories there and I just want to get back to playing at the top of my game and doing well, and I just need a little more time.

'I was so close to winning a grand slam. I want to make sure my body gets the time it needs to come back, so be patient.”