Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Kane Cornes sparked controversy when he labeled Nick Kyrgios “the most disappointing Australian athlete ever” and criticized the tennis star for his outspoken nature and perceived lack of results. Cornes went as far as calling Kyrgios a “29-year-old child” while questioning his conduct and overall impact on the sport. However, Kyrgios did not hold back in his response, pointing out the difference in their sporting careers.
Cornes’ Harsh Words for Kyrgios
Cornes, who played 300 games in the AFL and was regarded as a top player in his prime, did not mince words when discussing Kyrgios’ career on SEN 1116 radio. He criticized the Australian tennis star for frequently voicing his opinions on various topics—particularly regarding the Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek doping cases—while failing to make an impact on the court.
“This is a guy who sits there and criticizes everyone else,” Cornes remarked. “He sits on his high horse and criticizes everyone, be that ball kids, line judges, or other opponents. Look at the class which Roger Federer or other players with a similar level of talent as Nick carried themselves.”
Cornes further stated, “He’s a child. He’s a 29-year-old child. The way that he carries himself, the ambassador that he’s been, put all that in the mix, I think no one has disappointed more. No one has been spoken about more with fewer results than this guy over a long period of time.”
Kyrgios’ Strong Response
Kyrgios, never one to shy away from confrontations, quickly fired back at Cornes on social media. He took a shot at Cornes’ background, arguing that AFL is not a global sport and implying that Cornes was not in a position to judge his career.
“@kanecornes gotta love comments from an athlete who didn’t play a global sport. Appreciate the kind words, brother x,” Kyrgios posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Kyrgios’ Current Challenges
While Kyrgios’ response dismissed Cornes’ criticism, his recent performances have raised questions about his future in tennis. After an extended break from the sport due to injuries, he suffered early exits at both the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. Wrist and abdominal injuries hampered his performance, and following his straight-set loss to Jacob Fearnley in Melbourne, Kyrgios hinted that this might have been his final Australian Open appearance.
Despite his immense talent and flashes of brilliance—most notably reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final—Kyrgios’ career has been marred by inconsistency, injuries, and controversies. While his fans admire his unique style and candid personality, critics like Cornes believe he has failed to maximize his potential.
Whether Kyrgios makes a strong comeback or decides to step away from the sport remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he will always have something to say.
