Nick Kyrgios weighed in on a recent social media post aimed at fellow tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas, pushing back against online criticism.
The Australian, known for his outspoken nature, responded to a mocking comment about Tsitsipas.
What Did Nick Kyrgios Say About Stefanos Tsitsipas?
Tsitsipasā second-round defeat at the 2025 US Open was a tough moment for the Greek star. Facing Daniel Altmaier, Tsitsipas fought through a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 26 minutes, only to fall 7-6 (5), 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. The loss marked the first time the former world No. 3 will end the season without reaching the third round of a Grand Slam since 2017.
Shortly after the defeat, an Instagram account posted a jibe aimed at Tsitsipas. The post featured a photo of him returning a shot during his five-set loss to Altmaier at Grandstand. The caption read: “The haters said he couldnāt do it. The haters said heād never win a grand slam. And they were correct. Honestly great call from the haters.”
Within hours, Kyrgios replied in the comments, defending Tsitsipas. He wrote: “Guys made over 30 mill USD. Haters will continue to hate whilst sitting with their hands in their pants.”
š Kyrgios ādefendingā Tsitsipas is not a turn that I expected pic.twitter.com/yBq9rvfsWF
ā Olly Tennis š¾š¬š§ (@Olly_Tennis_) August 31, 2025
Kyrgiosā remark referred to Tsitsipasā career earnings, which exceed $34 million, according to atptour.com,Ā and called out the negativity aimed at his fellow player. The exchange quickly gained traction on social media, but what made it even more surprising was the history between the two.
For years, Kyrgios and Tsitsipas have engaged in one of the sportās most combustible rivalries. Since their first meeting in 2019, Kyrgios has held a 4-1 head-to-head advantage, and their matches have often featured fiery exchanges both on and off the court. Kyrgios is known for blunt, unpredictable outbursts, while Tsitsipas is recognized for defiant post-match remarks — making Kyrgiosā decision to publicly defend him all the more unexpected.
MORE: Stefanos Tsitsipas Confronts Daniel Altmaier Over US Open Act in Heated Post-Match Moment After Loss
An Unfortunate Season for Tsitsipas Marred by Injuries and Setbacks
The 2025 season has been turbulent for Tsitsipas. He suffered a first-round retirement at Wimbledon due to a chronic back injury, bowing out against Valentin Royer after trailing 6-3, 6-2. Earlier, he lost in the opening round of the Australian Open and fell in the second round at Roland Garros, losing to Matteo Gigante in four sets. These results saw him fall out of the ATP top 20 for the first time in seven years.
Physical struggles have defined much of Tsitsipasā year. Persistent back issues forced him to adjust his training and cope with ongoing pain. He parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic and reinstated his father, Apostolos, in search of solutions. Yet despite these hurdles, Tsitsipas found moments of triumph. He lifted his 12th tour-level title in Dubai, showcasing the resilience that first made him a Grand Slam finalist.
