Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has declined a striking offer from his compatriot Bernard Tomic. Tomic suggested to play a match against each other, to determine who is the best Australian tennis player.
Tomic linked a bet of no less than 1 million dollars, an amount that the loser would have to pay to the winner. Tomic (29) and Kyrgios (27) were previously known as friends, but the friendship between the two wayward tennis players has cooled in recent years.
They now bombard each other mainly via social media with contemptuous comments. Kyrgios, the current number 76 in the world, called Tomic “Australia’s most hated athlete” earlier this week. He did so during an Instagram conversation that revolved around the question of who is the best Australian tennis player.
Tomic was once known as a great talent, but has now fallen to place 418 in the world ranking. Even on the challengers he barely manages to win. Still, Tomic thinks he can still beat Kyrgios. “Talking is cheap, let’s just hit the road. I’ll beat you anywhere, even on grass if you want to,” Tomic said.
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If you want to play against me make sure you get back at the top of the sport
The two Australians have never met on the ATP Tour. They played against each other three years ago at a demonstration tournament in Kooyong, with Tomic as the winner. “I’m ready to make it 2-0, whenever you want. If not, then shut up and double up.”
Kyrgios responded in an extensive video message on Instagram. „I still play on the ATP Tour, brother. I’ve got bigger fish to catch and I’m preparing for Wimbledon,” Kyrgios said. “I understand that you are now playing at the level of futures and challengers. If you want to take on me, make sure you get back on top of the sport. I’m there, I’m not leaving.”
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