Pat Cash doubles down on startling claim Nick Kyrgios is a CHEAT and says he’s far worse than ‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe – as he reveals he played tennis with ‘lovely’ Princess Di
- Aussie tennis legend Pat Cash is no fan of Nick Kyrgios’ on-court behaviour
- Told the Today Show Kyrgios, 27, often lacks decorum in his tennis matches
- Cash is adamant Kyrgios’ tactics and mood swings are examples of cheating
- The Victorian-raised star famously won Wimbledon in 1987, beating Ivan Lendl
- Kyrgios won through to the semi-finals after outclassing Chile’s Cristian Garín
Australian tennis legend Pat Cash has doubled down on his controversial claims that Nick Kyrgios is a cheat, stating he is on a ‘different level’ to Superbrat John McEnroe and fellow firebrand Jimmy Connors when it comes to bad behaviour.
Cash, 57, who famously won Wimbledon in 1987, didn’t mince his words when chatting to Karl Stefanovic on Channel 9’s Today Show on Thursday.
Speaking from London where he is commentating at the grand slam, Cash acknowledged Kyrgios’ raw ability, but is adamant the Canberra-raised star crosses the line far too often.
It followed Kyrgios’ impressive straight sets quarter-final victory against Chile’s Cristian Garín.
The 27-year-old will next play Rafael Nadal in a mouthwatering semi-final.
Nick Kyrgios continues to impress at Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals – but Aussie tennis legend Pat Cash isn’t a fan of the 27-year-old
Cash also stated Kyrgios’ on-court antics are far worse than the antics that made tennis ‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe a household name
‘He (Kyrgios) is incredibly talented, but he needs to let his tennis do the talking,’ Cash said on Thursday morning.
‘I understand gamesmanship is part of tennis, but Nick needs to calm things down.’
Pressed by Stefanovic about his controversial cheating claims, Cash took the opportunity to again tee off on the polarising star.
‘What I’ve said is fair and reasonable and you wouldn’t believe the support I’ve had via texts and in person (at Wimbledon),’ he said.
‘Nick gets away with a lot – more than I’ve ever seen … and I played against (John) McEnroe and (Jimmy) Connors.
‘He plays the victim and takes gamesmanship too far … be it sledging or being confrontational, it is too much.’
Cash (pictured right) revealed he once enjoyed a casual hit with Lady Diana (pictured together at a charity event in 1988)
Cash was also quick to confirm he would never coach Kyrgios as he ‘doesn’t have the patience’
Stefanovic then reminded Cash he often let his own emotions get the better of him on-court, but the new face of Advance Hair responded by stating he ‘respected his opponents.’
Cash also quickly confirmed he would never coach Kyrgios as he ‘doesn’t have the patience.’
Viewers then were treated to footage of Cash leaping into the stands at the All England Club following his famous victory over Ivan Lendl on Centre Court in 1987.
Princess Di can be seen in the vision, with Cash revealing the pair later enjoyed a casual hit and that the royal was ‘lovely to chat to’.
Kyrgios will take on world No.4 Nadal – who has already started the mind games by declaring he is battling a serious abdominal injury – for a spot in the Wimbledon final from 10.30pm on Friday (AEST).