"You absolute pelican" - Kyrgios and Khachanov meet for the first time since heated exchange
ATP
Nick Kyrgios and Karen Khachanov will meet on the tennis court for the first time since their previous exchange.
After Kyrgios defeated World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev at the 2022 US Open, he's set to take on another Russian, Karen Khachanov. The two quarter-final protagonists met twice before, and both won one of the meetings.
First, Khachanov triumphed in 2019 in Cincinnati before Kyrgios got the revenge in a five-set thriller at the 2020 Australian Open. However, later that year, they had a heated exchange on Twitter and never met on the tennis court since.
It all started when Kyrgios wanted to defend his very good friend, Andy Murray, after comments from former ATP World No. 1 player Mats Wilander.
"Just read what Wilander said about Andy Murray.... shut up, Mats, no one cares. Muzz, just know that how ever long you stay, we all appreciate and enjoy your tennis and banter. Also, I’ve never watched a point of Mats Wilander."
His Russian colleague from the ATP Tour didn't like it and responded to the Australian. He asked Kyrgios to show some respect to one of the legends of the sport.
"Nick, come on mate..it’s too much..show some respect."
But Kyrgios didn't want to change a word of what he tweeted previously. He stood by his words, saying he couldn't respect someone just for being a good tennis player.
"Nah I’m good dude. Muzz and I respect each other, and if someone starts talking about one of mine, then I’ll come at them. I’m supposed to respect Mats? For what? Hitting a ball over the net? I don’t give my respect for that."
Khachanov once again responded to Kyrgios' tweet. The Russian player stated that he doesn't have any problem with him, but at the same time, questioned some of the Australian's tweets and comments.
"Bro, it’s your call. I really think you are a good lad and I don’t have any problem with you. But once you are sitting at home and writing different comments about players that makes me think who has the real problem..."
That's when things got heated. Kyrgios didn't take too long to answer. After a subtle dig from Khachanov, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist responded with an even harsher message.
"So you think what the players did during this pandemic was smart? I’d love to have an intellectual conversation with you but I’m not sure it would go further than how hard you could hit a ball. I’ve simply been holding people accountable."
Khachanov took that personally. The Russian player, like many tennis fans, is aware that Kyrgios likes to play video games. That's why he told the Australian to read books instead of playing games.
"And next time, before talking about my intellect, read at least a few books, instead of playing video games whole day long."
The whole exchange ended with Kyrgios saying that he also helps charities, adding an interesting insult at the end of his tweet.
"I’ve also been feeding the hungry, helping open up new facilities for kids to get active. But the way to do your research, you absolute pelican."
However, it seems that both players might have forgotten about the exchange. Prior to their meeting at this year's US Open, Khachanov had only words of praise for his opponent.
"Nick said himself that he doesn't recognise himself in a way how professional he is right now. I think Wimbledon showed him, if he does the things like he does now, what he's capable of. Obviously everybody knows that, the way he's serving."
"I think it will be the same for me, focus on serve, keep the serve. In rallies we have the same, equal chances. It will be always the question of how the point starts, with the serve and return."
