It feels like the end of an era! Tennis is quickly evolving to the next generation, with top players bidding farewell to the sport. The latest to confirm his name on the list had to be Rafael Nadal. As Nadal announced his retirement, the tennis world is uniting to pour tribute and one of them is Nick Kyrgios. Interestingly, Kyrgios’ tribute to Rafa has attracted immense criticism from fans.

The Spanish sensation announced his retirement on Thursday in a video statement. “I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said. The 22-time Grand Slam winner also highlighted that he feels it is the apt time to hang up his racquets and eagerly look forward to his last tournament. 

“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004,” the 38-year-old said. What followed was a serious tribute to the legendary player and Nick Kyrgios did not hold back. 

Taking to his X, the Australian star wrote, “Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time.” However, despite the heartfelt tribute, it seemed like the remarks of the Aussie did not sit well with the community, who quickly took sharp digs at Nick Kyrgios.

Several users took to the platform to highlight their disappointment over the sentiments shared by Kyrgios. They took sharp jibes at him and claimed Rafael Nadal could defeat him despite his age and struggles. 

Nick Kyrgios faces sharp criticism from fans

Taking to X, one user wrote “I thought you retired already.” The 29-year-old had only played one ATP match since 2022. His last competitive game was in June 2023, when he lost to China’s Wu Yibing in Stuttgart. He underwent knee surgery in January 2023, but what continued to bother him was his wrist. It forced him to stay away from the courts for a long time. Similar reactions followed from other users as well. 

Responding to Kyrgios’ post, another user wrote, “Behave Nick he still beats you at 50 on crutches.” Kyrgios and Nadal have played against each other 10 times on the ATP circuit. The ‘King of Clay’ has prevailed over the Aussie in most of these clashes and has won 6 matches against him. Their last encounter, meanwhile, faced a walkover with Kyrgios benefitting in the contest. The flak for the star player continued from users. 

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“You’re too busy play with the Djo’s 🎾🎾,” wrote another user. Kyrgios is often seen hitting some balls with Novak Djokovic. One such incident also unfolded during the Wimbledon, with the players enjoying a light-hearted hit on the practice courts in front of fans. The session also mesmerized the Australian star.

He took to his X and wrote, “Feel like a little kid again, Feeling excited. Long way back from this surgery!” This practice session came soon after Djokovic’s surgery, after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee during the Roland Garros. We also saw the duo in some banter as Nole playfully imitated Kyrgios’ serve and grunt at one point.

One more user lashed out at Kyrgios and wrote, “You retired first 😂.” Interestingly, Kyrgios has often expressed his determination to overcome challenges and return to the courts soon. In an interview with The Canberra Times, he said, “People aren’t expecting me to come back, especially after an injury like this, so I would love to do that and play again.” But despite the long hiatus, the star player is still active on the courts, although in a different role, as a commentator. 

Yet another user honestly expressed frustration and wrote, “Shut up.” But Kyrgios is usually not the one who accepts offense. Hence, it will be interesting to see if he comes out to hit back at his critics and highlight his unapologetic side yet again.