Kyrgios tackles Mahut's comments: "I don't think the world cares what he has to say"

Nick Kyrgios is in turmoil following his comments about Jannik Sinner on the Nothing Major podcast earlier this week, when he explained that he would lose "all respect" if he played at the Australian Open.

Eurosport consultant Nicolas Mahut was not happy about this outburst, saying there was no need to "make things worse" with the world No. 1.

And while he's clearly enjoying himself at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, Kyrgios took the time to respond to the Frenchman: "Nicolas Mahut, at world level, hasn't broken through like me, so I'll leave it there.

And I don't think the world cares much about what he has to say.

I have people like him who tell me to be realistic. He was an incredible doubles player, a Grand Slam winner, but he didn't have the singles career I had.

That's certainly why he has that opinion. On a singles court, he's never had the conviction I have, so his opinion means nothing to me.

I've achieved far more in singles than Mahut has in his entire career. That conviction is what sets players apart.

Federer, Djokovic and Nadal were the best because their opponents were already beaten before they stepped on the court. I don't want to be that kind of player.

I'll always stand by my abilities and my convictions. Sinner and Alcaraz are the best players in the world right now, but I'll always believe in myself."