Nick Kyrgios admits he didn't read open letter sent to him by Shane Warne
Nick Kyrgios has revealed that he did not read the open letter cricket legend Shane Warne sent to him back in 2015.
Considered to be one of the greatest ever cricketers, Warne had grown concerned with the controversy that tennis star Kyrgios provoked. He has won seven ATP Tour singles titles, reached the 2022 Wimbledon men's singles final and won the 2022 Australian Open men's doubles title.
But the Australian has also garnered a reputation for being hot-tempered on the court. That led to Warne urging his compatriot to take his career seriously, having also garnered controversy during his own time as an athlete.
Warne posted an open letter to the tennis star on his Facebook page, with the post being liked more than 3,000 times. But Kyrgios has now admitted that he did not read it, insisting he has been proud with how his career has gone.
“I saw it and didn't read it, but yeah, look, I feel like I've been the closest Australian player in the last decade to win a Grand Slam. I made the final. I've had a pretty successful career. I feel like I've won a lot more than I've lost," he told Piers Morgan Uncensored.
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"Able to provide for my family, friends and yeah respected by millions around the world, obviously. And yeah, I've done it my way. At the end of the day, I know that there's other Australian athletes who just wanted to see me succeed.
Cricket legend Shane Warne had warned Nick Kyrgios about taking his career seriously (PA)"I've only ever supported most of them as well and I've only wanted the best for them. I've never, never going to be the first one to go out on social media and put someone down. If someone does that to me, I'll respond. But yeah, I look back at that letter and I look back at how far I've come and I'd say he would be proud for sure.”
Warne's letter came after Kyrgios hit the headlines for making disparaging remarks about Stan Wawrinka's girlfriend during a clash at the Rogers Cup. The former Australian cricket captain urged Kyrgios to have more respect.
"We all realise you're only 20 & have a lot to learn buddy. But please don't waste your talent, everyone in the world, especially us Australians want to respect u," Warne's letter began.
"Remember respect is way more important than being liked, u need to respect the game of tennis & yourself. We all make mistakes, but it's how we learn from them & the way we conduct ourselves when we lose that shows true character.
"You're testing our patience mate, show us what you're made of & how hungry you are to be the best in the world, it's time to step up & start winning, no excuses. No shame in losing.
"But show us you will never give up, that you will give it everything to be the best you can be, respect is earned not given ! I believe in you & know you can do it, but now's the time my friend."
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