"I stood up for him multiple times" - Kyrgios baffled by Tomic's harsh criticism

Nick Kyrgios has been embroiled in a war of words with compatriot Bernard Tomic, following the latter's proclamation that he was "still better" than the former.

The feud began when Tomic was asked who was the better player at their peak on Instagram, to which he replied, “I still am. Obviously Nick is a good player, probably top six or seven servers in the world, obviously (I) beat him in Kooyong 6-3, 6-4.

“Because I trained with him, I pick where he’s serving, and I know where he’s at. (Kyrgios’) style doesn’t really bother me.”

Tomic added fuel to the fire by making more incendiary comments in an interview with News Corp.

"Thanks to Nicky boy for the kind words and encouragement," said the former World No.17. “It was comfortable when I beat him with all due respect. Whenever he wants I am happy to make it 2-0. I’m more than happy to do a rematch at any time. His style suits me. I’ve had no problems with big servers.

“I just want to set the record straight. I’ve beaten (the likes of) Marin Cilic, Lleyton Hewitt and Nick. All jokes aside, I look forward to seeing him at the Australian Open and hopefully we can both make Australia proud. I wish him nothing but the best.”

Upon learning of his fellow Aussie's comments, Kyrgios seemed baffled as to why he was being criticized.

“I’m probably one of the only people in tennis in Australia that’s stood up for him multiple times,” Kyrgios told Nine. I’ve done things for him, my family, my brother’s done things for him.”

Kyrgios will enter the main draw of the Australian Open, once again a dangerous unseeded opponent for any top player in the opening rounds, while Tomic will have to fight through qualifying.

“I’m not sure (if we’ll play each other), but as far as I’m aware, I don’t think he is even in the Australian summer,” Kyrgios said. “I haven’t seen his name anywhere, or what tournaments he is playing.”