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Agence France-Presse

Rafael Nadal insisted “I really don’t care” after Nick Kyrgios turned up the heat on their simmering rivalry by mimicking the Spaniard’s signature serving routine.
Kyrgios theatrically copied Nadal’s laborious pre-serve ticks during his Australian Open second round clash against Gilles Simon, pretending to tuck his hair behind his ears and picking at his underwear.
Even the umpire had to chuckle at Kyrgios, who had been penalised for taking too long to serve. Kyrgios’ opponent did his own Nadal impression when he was also warned for slow serving, sending the Australian into giggles.
But Nadal, who has history with Kyrgios, brushed off the impersonation.
Priscilla Hon goes down to Angelique Kerber in Australian Open second round clash
“I am here to play tennis. Honestly, I don’t care at all. If was funny, good. That’s it,” said the Spaniard.
Kyrgios has a testy relationship with Nadal. Last year he described the world number one as “super salty” after the 19-time grand slam winner accused him of lacking respect.


“There wasn’t any extracurricular activities I was doing before my serve to waste time,” said the Australian, who has previously criticised Nadal for the time he takes between points.
“I mean, it happened. That’s the ref’s discretion whether I went over the clock or not,” he added.
Novak Djokovic serves up masterclass against Tatsuma Ito to progress to Australian Open third round
His French opponent Gilles Simon also mimicked Nadal when he was given a time violation.
Asked who’s impersonation was better, Kyrgios said: “I don’t know. I don’t wear underwear, so ... probably Gilles.”


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Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios serves up fresh dig at rival Rafa Nadal

Nick Kyrgios has reignited the flames of his rivalry with Rafa Nadal. Photo: EPA

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic serves up masterclass against Tatsuma Ito to progress to third round

Novak Djokovic walks back to hit a return against Tatsuma Ito in the second round of the Australian Open. Photo: AFP

epa08149608 Tatsuma Ito of Japan gestures to the crowd after losing his second round match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2020. EPA-EFE/MICHAEL DODGE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Serbia's Novak Djokovic gives autographs to spectators after his men's singles match against Japan's Tatsuma Ito on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2020. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

Australian Open: Priscilla Hon goes down to Angelique Kerber in second round clash

Priscilla Hon has bowed out of the Australian Open in the second round. Photo: EPA

Germany's Angelique Kerber, left, is congratulated by Australia's Priscilla Hon after winning their second round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)

Sport

Tennis


Kyrgios theatrically copied Nadal’s laborious pre-serve ticks during his Australian Open second round clash against Gilles Simon



Kyrgios theatrically copied Nadal’s laborious pre-serve ticks during his Australian Open second round clash against Gilles Simon.


ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios serves up fresh dig at rival Rafa Nadal

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Kyrgios theatrically copied Nadal’s laborious pre-serve ticks during his Australian Open second round clash against Gilles Simon

Kyrgios theatrically copied Nadal’s laborious pre-serve ticks during his Australian Open second round clash against Gilles Simon