Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has found himself at the centre of controversy after commenting on Emma Raducanu's latest Instagram post, sparking fierce reactions from fans who believe the British player is romantically linked with Carlos Alcaraz.
The Australian player, who recently ended his relationship with model Costeen Hatzi, wrote "Get it" beneath Raducanu's social media slideshow featuring her activities in Eastbourne.
His seemingly innocent show of support triggered an immediate backlash from tennis enthusiasts, particularly those supporting a potential relationship between Raducanu and Alcaraz.
The pair are set to team up for mixed doubles at the US Open later this year, fuelling further speculation about their connection beyond the tennis court.
Nick Kyrgios has faced a lot of backlash for his comment
ReutersSeveral fans responded harshly to Kyrgios's comment, with some explicitly telling him to keep his distance from Raducanu.
One user wrote: "Give up, Carlos won this war already", whilst another simply responded: "no bro".
The criticism became more pointed with one user posting three clown emojis in response to the Australian's comment.
JUST IN: Royal Ascot jockey receives ban and fine just days after winning biggest race of his life
Some users posted direct warnings to the Australian, with a user posting: "Mind your own business and stay the f**k away from her."
Raducanu's comments section has been flooded with clips of Alcaraz, as supporters of the Spanish player appear determined to discourage any romantic interest from other quarters.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen 'refused to film nightclub scene with Brad Pitt' as details on F1: The Movie emerge
The Instagram post that Nick Kyrgios commented on
Instagram @emmaraducanu
The romance rumours surrounding Raducanu and Alcaraz have intensified following the British player's appearance in the stands during Alcaraz's victorious campaign at the HSBC Championships earlier this month.
When asked about fans believing she and Alcaraz are "destined for each other", Raducanu did not dismiss the speculation outright.
"I'm glad the internet is having fun and we're providing some entertainment for everyone," she said in an interview with BBC Sport, laughing at the suggestion.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The 21-year-old revealed she has maintained a friendship with the Spanish star since their breakthrough performances at major tournaments in 2021.
Their upcoming mixed doubles partnership at the US Open has only added fuel to the speculation, with fans eagerly anticipating their on-court chemistry.
"I've known him for years. At Wimbledon in 2021 it was kind of the first time I started getting to know him, and I had a good run there and then also again at the US Open in 2021," Raducanu explained about her friendship with Alcaraz.
Emma Raducanu lost at Eastbourne on Wednesday
ReutersShe recalled how their paths crossed during their breakthrough tournaments, with Alcaraz often playing the day before her matches.
"I remember he was always playing the day before me and I was playing like the second day of the round. And I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too," she said.
Raducanu specifically mentioned Alcaraz's victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round as "his breakout kind of win on a big stage", adding that they stayed in touch throughout her US Open triumph.
Most Read
