Kyrgios fires back at criticism from rivals - "That comes from a place of jealousy"

After some of his opponents suggested that his behavior was disrespectful during his Australian Open doubles title run, Nick Kyrgios has fired back, claiming their comments were made out of jealousy.

Kyrgios partnered with Thanasi Kokkinakis to lift the men's doubles title at Melbourne Park, also brought some attention to his antics on and off the courts. The former World No.13 had an altercation with Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic’s entourage after the second-round win while Michael Venus from New Zealand, who went down in the quarter-final with partner Tim Puetz, described the Australian as "an absolute knob."

Finals opponent Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell were also unimpressed with Special Ks – the nickname Kyrgios and Kokkinakis were given – as they also criticized their opponents’ exploits.

Kyrgios, though, was never going to hold back when asked about the remarks.

“When people like Matthew Ebden says the behaviour was disrespectful, do you think that someone like him would say, who doesn’t understand the situation,” he told ABC’s 7.30.

“No disrespect, it is Matt Ebden, do you know what I mean? I have my own foundation. I help kids.

“I’m more than a tennis player. That comes from a place of jealousy to comment on our success and what we’re doing off the court.”

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Kyrgios also came under fire for suggesting that his doubles final did better in TV ratings than that of women's singles champion Ashleigh Barty. The 26-year old was quick to clarify his comments during the same interview.

"I never was trying to compete with Ash. I just said I think our doubles created higher ratings than the men’s final which is saying something,” he said.

“I never wanted to bring Ash or be disrespectful at all.

“When everyone sees the whole story, it is really not a story at all, but obviously when it gets perceived in a way and manipulated then it looks like I’m attacking her when she knows deep down, why would I do that? Why would I do that?”