Rafael Nadal has accused Nick Kyrgios of a lack of respect after suffering defeat at the hands of the Australian at the Acapulco International.
Kyrgios saved three match points against the top seeded Spaniard in the second round of the tournament in Mexico to record a 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(6) win which also saw him serve under-arm against his rival.
"He is a player who has enormous talent," Nadal told ESPN after the loss. "He could win Grand Slams and fight the top positions of the ranking, but there is a reason why he is where he is.
"He lacks respect for the public, the rival and towards himself."
Kyrgios has slumped to world No 72 having climbed to a career high of 13 in October 2016. The 23-year-old fell to the floor in celebration after his win over Nadal, before sticking a finger behind his ear and asking the raucous crowd to cheer louder.
Kyrgios saved three match points against the top seeded Spaniard in the second round of the tournament in Mexico to record a 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(6) win which also saw him serve under-arm against his rival.
"He is a player who has enormous talent," Nadal told ESPN after the loss. "He could win Grand Slams and fight the top positions of the ranking, but there is a reason why he is where he is.
"He lacks respect for the public, the rival and towards himself."
Kyrgios has slumped to world No 72 having climbed to a career high of 13 in October 2016. The 23-year-old fell to the floor in celebration after his win over Nadal, before sticking a finger behind his ear and asking the raucous crowd to cheer louder.