Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at the media and doubles rival Max Purcell as he denied claims he had disrespected world number one Ash Barty following her Australian Open win.
Kyrgios and fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis won the men's doubles title on a packed Rod Laver Arena on Saturday after Barty's victory over Danielle Collins had given the country its first singles champion in 44 years.
As had been the case throughout the tournament, the 'Special Ks' were backed by a raucous crowd as they defeated compatriots Max Purcell and Matt Ebden to win their first Grand Slam title.
Kyrgios said after the final that the duo had "created probably the best atmosphere this tournament has ever seen", which was interpreted by some media as a slight on Barty.
In an Instagram post which opened with an expletive aimed at the media, Kyrgios denied the charge.
"Honestly, I said nothing disrespectful to Ash Barty," he wrote. "I said that the crowd this year was amazing and I feel as if (Kokkinakis) and I were a big part of that. Ash's father came to me and even said that.
"All I said was that when people watch me around the world the stadiums are full."
Barty's success was watched by a record Australian TV audience of 4.2 million viewers, with 3.15million tuning in for the men's doubles.
Purcell, meanwhile, had suggested after that decider that the behaviour of the crowd had been bad for the game.
"I think it was great for ticket sales here but I'm not so sure how it was taken overseas," he said.
"If you’re watching some of Nick and Thanasi’s matches earlier in the week and you’re overseas, maybe you get turned off tennis a little bit.
"The fact that we are Australian; I don’t think they (the crowd) went as hard on us as they have the rest of them. I’m grateful for that."
Kyrgios responded by writing: "As for Max Purcell you donut. Regarding your comments after the match you clearly have no idea about entertainment and sport.
"If you haven't noticed there is a reason why people actually come to my matches, it's because the level and my game are actually worth watching."
"Next time you lose another slam final, you should just put your head down and try to figure out how to play the big points better.
"No need to slate other Aussies in the media cuz people would rather watch paint dry than your serve-and-volley game style."
"They're an exciting bloody pair to watch and play against, but I just think some of the crowds they were bringing weren’t quite respectful enough for their opponents" - Max Purcell
Purcell declined to stoke the flames in a follow-up interview on Australian radio today.
"They were bringing a lot to the sport, so I can't take anything away from that," he said.
"They’re an exciting bloody pair to watch and play against, but I just think some of the crowds they were bringing weren’t quite respectful enough for their opponents.
"I’ve got nothing against them. When Matty and I are playing, we’re trying to get the crowd involved (as well), but I just think the crowd took it upon themselves to go a little too far.
"But I think it’s great for tennis … it’s promotion for the sport. Doubles isn’t exactly huge out there, so the more coverage we got, the better.
"It just would have been nice to see the crowd in earlier matches being a little more respectful."
