Nick Kyrgios breaks up with ‘jealous’ Todd Woodbridge as ugly feud erupts at Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios has come to the defense of his close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, accusing his critic and Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge of being “jealous” of today’s stars.

Woodbridge criticized the injured Kokkinakis for his decision to take part in the lucrative Russian exhibition late last year, saying it had compromised his preparations for the Australian Open.

Kokkinakis, 28, subsequently pulled out of the Brisbane International after Christmas with a “slight hip problem” and then pulled out of the Adelaide International.

Many tennis fans feared that “Kock” would not perform at Melbourne Park, but he defeated Russia’s Roman Safiullin in his first-round match on Monday in four grueling sets.

When asked about Woodbridge’s comments in his post-match conference, Kokkinakis returned the serve brutally.

“That’s why he tries to host every game show under the sun,” he told Nine’s Tipping Point host.

“We’re trying to make a living just like he is.”

Kyrgios then lashed out at Woodbridge via an Instagram story.

‘Facts!! We here earn 6-7 figures from these “exos” (exhibition matches) – we have every right to go and get this money!!”, he wrote.

“The game is a lot more physical now than when some of these older heads were playing.

“Don’t be jealous, we earn a living!! “WE EARNED IT! With you @the_kokk1.’

Kokkinakis and Kyrgios will take the court together on Thursday in the first round of the men’s doubles against Australians Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.

In 2022, the Mavericks memorably won the Australian Open men’s doubles championship.

Kyrgios announced his intention to “go out there and have some fun” as they enjoy being on court as “former champions”.

Leading American doubles analyst Will Bucek said Kyrgios has what it takes to be a successful doubles specialist if his body can’t handle the strain of singles.

After losing to world number 92 Jacob Fearnley in the first round of men’s singles, Kyrgios offered his home tournament singles time may expire.

“I really believe that if he focuses on doubles, he will have the skill set to potentially be the best doubles player in the world,” Bucek said.

Several things make him particularly good in doubles.

“He can rebound very early … and what that does is it completely neutralizes the opposing player.

So the ball very quickly passes the serving partner and returns to the serving partner. He can also turn and shoot on the fly.”

Bucek believes Kyrgios is more naturally talented than the great Roger Federer.

“He’s got every chance and he’s definitely second to none in terms of his skills,” he said.

“Potentially his ball skills are some of the best of all time and then obviously his serve is massive which will make it easy.

“He’s tall, so he has a lot of range, so he’s good at netting for his partner and can cover a lot of territory.

“So I absolutely think he could be one of the best, if not the best, understudy in the world if he wants to focus on that.”