Nick Kyrgios revealed on Saturday he never read late cricket legend Shane Warne’s scathing open letter to him in 2015, during a particularly difficult time in his career.
The tennis champion, 28, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and told the host while he never read the letter posted to Facebook he was sure Warne’s view of him would have later changed.
‘I saw it and didn’t read it. I’m never going to be the first one to go out on social media and put someone down,’ Kyrgios began.
The Canberra-born star added he believed that Warne would be ‘proud’ to see how far Kyrgios had progressed in the intervening years.
‘I look back at that letter and at how far I’ve come and I’d say he would be proud for sure. I’ve had a pretty successful career. I feel I’ve won a lot more than I’ve lost.’
Nick Kyrgios (pictured) revealed on Saturday he never read late cricket legend Shane Warne’s scathing open letter to him in 2015, during a particularly difficult time in his career
In 2015, Warne posted an open letter to Kyrgios on social media, calling the then hot-headed tennis player out for his fiery behaviour off the court.
‘Dear Nick, we all realise you’re only 20 and have a lot to learn buddy, but please don’t waste your talent,’ Warne wrote.
‘Everyone in the world, especially us Australians want to respect you. You need to respect the game of tennis and yourself. We all make mistakes.
Warne also included a sting in the second half of the message, perhaps intended as a wake up call to Kyrgios.
‘You’re testing our patience mate, show us what you’re made of and how hungry you are to be the best in the world. It’s time to step up and start winning, no excuses,’ he said.
‘We all make mistakes. It’s how we learn from them and the way we conduct ourselves when we lose that shows true character. You’re testing our patience mate,’ Warne sternly added.
The tennis champion, 28, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and told the host while he never read Shane Warne’s (pictured) letter posted to Facebook he was sure Warne’s view of him would have later changed
‘I saw it and didn’t read it. I’m never going to be the first one to go out on social media and put someone down,’ Kyrgios told Piers Morgan
Kyrgios, then 20, enjoyed a stellar run at Wimbledon in 2015 where he beat Spanish champion Rafael Nadal, but had also attracted controversy after sledging Swiss player Stan Wawrinka with a crude personal attack at a Canadian tournament.
He later admitted at a press conference shortly after the Wawrinka sledge – in which he told his opponent between points that a fellow player had ‘banged’ his girlfriend – that he still had a lot to learn.
The incident, which Kyrgios later apologised for, had earned him a suspended 28-day ban and $34,705 fine from the ATP in only his second year of professional play.
Fortunately, Kyrgios has managed to get both his professional and personal life back on track since then and is rumoured to be planning to have kids with his gorgeous girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.
The Canberra-born star added he believed that Warne would be ‘proud’ to see how far Kyrgios had progressed in the intervening years
Fortunately, Kyrgios has managed to get both his professional and personal life back on track since then and is rumoured to be planning to have children with his gorgeous girlfriend Costeen Hatzi (right)
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