Kyrgios and Tsitsipas engage in Instagram dispute over coaching rule suggestion

World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas recently found himself in a verbal exchange with Nick Kyrgios after the former made some suggestions regarding coaching on the ATP Tour.

The Greek star initially took to Twitter to state that coaching on every point should be allowed on the ATP circuit, as on-court coaching is not allowed on ATP events or at Grand Slams.

However, Kyrgios took exception to this bold statement, responding to a post of Tsitsipas' statement on the official Tennis TV Instagram page.

"I usually don’t mind his (Tsitsipas’) ideas, but this one is terrible,” the Australian commented.

The Greek somehow got wind of this, and responded directly to Kyrgios's statement with a slightly incendiary comment.

“I’ll get you a coach, don’t worry about that.”

Not one to hold his tongue, Kyrgios responded with a barb of his own, even indirectly bringing up the pair's head-to-head record, in which the World No.56 leads 2-0.

"Seemed to have done fine without one against you my guy haha, but the beauty of tennis is to go out there alone. Some people choose not to have a coach, some people can’t afford a coach. On the tennis court it’s a level playing field. I think it’s the beauty of the sport.”

Undeterred, Tsitsipas continued to make his point, although in a more conciliatory tone.

“True," conceded Tsitsipas. "I get your point but let me remind you that the majority of tennis coaches are actually coaching on court, despite the rules. Why should there be a punishment or a penalty rule for a coach that feels the need to talk or give advice?”

Although on-court coaching is not permitted on the ATP Tour, the WTA allows players to request on-court coaching once per set.