Andy Roddick reopens war of words with ‘hypocrite’ and ‘influencer’ Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios had already been described as an “influencer” who “lived for likes” when tennis’ “bad boy” plunged into first round at the Australian Open.

On the eve of the tournament Andy Roddick, a former world number 1, was scathing in his criticism of Kyrgios, who claimed his straight-sets defeat by Jacob Fearnleythe British no. 3, may have been his last singles appearance at Melbourne Park.

Against Fearnley, Kyrgios was as divisive as his reputation suggests. His performance was a performance of grimaces, profanity-laced banter and flashes of brilliance as he left his home major.

Kyrgios has been plagued by injuries since his last major appearance; US Open in 2022. As these injury problems have mounted, the 29-year-old has only become more outspoken off the court.

From criticizing Sir Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal’s retirements to claims that it was “impossible” that the pyramids were built by humansKyrgios is no stranger to being outspoken.

His latest spat, this time involving Roddick, cast a cloud over the opening major of the season. Krygios has been the most outspoken critic of Jannik Sinnerafter the world no. 1 failed two drug tests and avoided a ban. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled the contamination was “no fault or negligence” by Sinner, but Kyrgios has repeatedly claimed on social media that the doping incident proves tennis is “fixed”.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the verdict and is pushing for a longer-term ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sinner’s explanation is that the failed tests were caused by a healing spray used to treat a wound from his physical therapist, who had inadvertently exposed him to the substance through what was a routine full-body massage.

Over the past few months, Kyrgios has attacked anyone who has spoken out in support of Sinner and criticized the privacy of the hearings. The latest target was Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of Lleyton Hewitt, the 2002 Wimbledon champion, after the teenager posted a picture with Sinner after the pair spent time on court together at Melbourne Park ahead of Australian Open.

The post sparked a social media storm, with Kyrgios commenting: “Love you Cruz but this is crazy.”

That comment proved one too many for Roddick, who played Hewitt Snr 14 times on the ATP Tour during their careers. Talking further his The server podcastRoddick said of Kyrgios: “At this point, he’s a tennis influencer. He lives for the likes, he lives for the comments.

“What I have a problem with is the hypocrisy with which he picks and chooses when to judge others, while wanting you to digest the context of his comments – the latest against Cruz Hewitt.”

Roddick added: “Cruz Hewitt is 16 years old, son of Lleyton and the toughest competitor I’ve ever played in my life, going to play a guy who’s No. 1 in the world at the Australian Open. It’s a big matter.

“Imagine as an almost 30-year-old man, going into the comments of a 16-year-old who is the best player in the world. If you think he’s guilty or not guilty, it’s still a moment where you can do it.

“It’s a big moment and just posting a picture and then having this guy go into the comments and make it all about himself. ‘I thought we were brothers.’

“The defense was absolutely clear that it was a joke. The lack of awareness you have to bring trolls and all the worst tennis fandom into a 16 year old’s comments is ridiculous. It’s ridiculous.”

Going a step further, Roddick suggested Kyrgios should not comment on morality as the 29-year-old had pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic violence in 2023. Kyrgios avoided a criminal sentence after a judge ruled the offense was ” low level”. “

“When you have moments in your life that are not the best. When you have pleaded guilty to physically assaulting your girlfriendbut you want people to understand the context,” Roddick said.

“You wanted people to understand your moment in time and life that didn’t make this acceptable, but at least maybe say ‘that’s not who I am, that’s not what I do – I’m not an addict, although I plead guilty to abuse.’

“It’s just hypocritical. It is pure hypocrisy.”

Kyrgios responded in kind, branding Roddick a “sheep”.

Injuries have severely affected Kyrgios’ career over the past few years since reaching a career-high world ranking of no. 13 in 2016 and he has started to grow his social media following with more than four million on Instagram alone. He even launched an OnlyFans account in 2023.

Like Roddick, he has also ventured into more mainstream media and was a part of the Wimbledon commentary team in 2024, although the American questioned the longevity of that path given Kyrgios’ outspoken comments. It remains to be seen what impact the Australian’s outspoken nature will have on his future career away from the tennis court.

Expand your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.