Nick Kyrgios reveals shocking confession from Shane Warne – after the superstar cricketer famously took a swipe at him in an open letter
Nick Kyrgios revealed on Saturday that he never read late cricket legend Shane Warne’s scathing open letter to him in 2015, during a particularly difficult time in his career.
The tennis champion, 28, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and told the host, although he never read the letter on Facebook, that he was sure Warne’s view of him would have changed later.
‘I’ve seen it, but not read it. I will never be the first to put someone down on social media,” Kyrgios began.
The Canberra-born star added that he believed Warne would be “proud” to see how far Kyrgios had progressed in the intervening years.
“When I look back on that letter and how far I’ve come, I can say he would certainly be proud. I’ve had a pretty successful career. I feel like I’ve won a lot more than I’ve lost.”
Nick Kyrgios (pictured) revealed on Saturday that he never read late cricket legend Shane Warne’s scathing open letter to him in 2015, during a particularly difficult time in his career
In 2015, Warne posted an open letter to Kyrgios on social media, calling out the then hot-headed tennis player for his fiery behavior off the court.
“Dear Nick, we all realize you’re only 20 and have a lot to learn buddy, but please don’t waste your talent,” Warne wrote.
“Everyone in the world, especially us Australians, wants to respect you. You have to respect the game of tennis and yourself. We all make mistakes.
Warne also added a sting to the second half of the message, perhaps intended as a wake-up call for Kyrgios.
“You’re testing our patience buddy, show us what you’re made of and how hungry you are to be the best in the world. It’s time to step up and start winning, no excuses,” he said.
‘We all make mistakes. It is the way we learn from them and the way we behave when we lose that is a testament to our true character. You’re testing our patience, buddy,” Warne added sternly.
The tennis champion, 28, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and told the presenter that although he never read Shane Warne’s (pictured) letter on Facebook, he was sure Warne’s view of him would have changed later.
‘I’ve seen it, but not read it. I will never be the first to put someone down on social media,” Kyrgios told Piers Morgan.
Kyrgios, then 20, enjoyed a stellar performance at Wimbledon in 2015, where he defeated Spanish champion Rafael Nadal, but also courted controversy after beating Swiss player Stan Wawrinka with a crude personal attack at a Canadian tournament.
Later, at a press conference shortly after the Wawrinka slide – in which he told his opponent between points that a fellow player had ‘hit’ his girlfriend – he admitted that he still had a lot to learn.
The incident, for which Kyrgios later apologized, had earned him a 28-day ban and a $34,705 fine from the ATP in his second year as a professional.
Fortunately, Kyrgios has since managed to get both his professional and personal lives back on track and is rumored to be planning to have children with his beautiful girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.
The Canberra-born star added that he believed Warne would be “proud” to see how far Kyrgios had progressed in the intervening years.
Fortunately, Kyrgios has since managed to get both his professional and personal lives back on track and is rumored to be planning to have children with his beautiful girlfriend Costeen Hatzi (right)