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Picture Credit: Twitter

Hours after losing his opening match at the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia, Nick Kyrgios indulged in a verbal altercation with a journalist on Twitter in regards with his participation in cash-rich league. Notably, Kyrgios lost his first-round match of the competition 10-6, 10-6 in two super tiebreaks to Britain's Cameron Norrie.

 

Meanwhile, Kyrgios' participation in the Saudi Arabian league became a matter of concern for a journalist who pointed out that how few players are participating in it just for the sake of money, while All England Club has banned Russian and Belarusian players from the event.

 

Mike Dickson of The Daily Mail suggested that this is hypocritical given some players recently attended an exhibition tournament in Russia (Trophies of Northern Palmyra 2022), while others, including Kyrgios are currently participating in a cash-rich tournament (Diriyah Tennis Cup) in Saudi Arabia. Dickson shared his article on Twitter and took aim to the Diriyah Cup participants, which also includes Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka among other big names.

 

"Tennis so far this month: Players travelling to exhibition in Russia; others troughing on Saudi Arabia cash; Wimbledon hammered for taking a stand on Ukraine. What a time to be alive," Dickson tweeted. In response to that tweet, Kyrgios, who will reportedly pocket around $100,000, hit back at the journalist.

"You have a problem with us playing in Saudi? It's a beautiful place?" tweeted the Aussie. Dickson went one step further as he responded to the Aussie's comment by writing, "I am sure it is from where you are standing."  


That observation from the Daily Mail journalist didn't go down well with the tennis player as he lashed out at Dickson, accusing the latter of 'jealousy.' "So salty, no need to be butt hurt that I’m getting paid well for doing what I love around the world. Carry on," said Kyrgios. 


However, Dickson brought end to the brief conversation by saying he is 'pleased' for the 27-year-old. Meanwhile, Kyrgios has crashed out of the single's competition and will now take part in doubles at the tournament as a consolation, partnering up with the loser of the second-round clash between Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz.