Nick Kyrgios makes a brutal comparison between NBA star Kevin Durant and sprinter Noah Lyles criticizing the sprinter for his WORLD CHAMPION comment

Nick Kyrgios Criticizes Noah Lyles Over "World Champion" Comments

Nick Kyrgios makes a brutal comparison between NBA star Kevin Durant and sprinter Noah Lyles criticizing the sprinter for his WORLD CHAMPION comment

Noah Lyles, Nick Kyrgios and Kevin Durant (Credits: Forbes, The Guardian and Wikipedia)

In an unexpected turn of events, Nick Kyrgios slammed American sprinter Noah Lyles for his recent divisive statements about the NBA. Lyles, who just won three gold medals at the 2023 World Championships, as well as a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has been under fire from critics throughout the world, including the vocal Kyrgios.

Lyles sparked controversy with his remarks on NBA “world champions,” implying that the title lacked universality. “I have to watch the NBA Finals, and they have the world champion on their shoulders.” What is the world champion at? “The United States?,” Lyles asked during a media interview. He also stressed the global presence in sports such as track and field, where individuals from different countries compete under their respective flags.

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These remarks elicited a wide range of reactions from Kyrgios. The Australian tennis sensation, known for his outspoken and unvarnished comments, didn’t hold back in his response. He made his point by using NBA legend Kevin Durant, claiming that Durant’s talent far outweighs Lyles’ by a wide margin. “Running, Durant has more talent in his finger than this guy [Lyles] has in his body,” he said.

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Kyrgios’ comparison of the basketball superstar to the outstanding sprinter has sparked considerable controversy among sports groups. Lyles, who had been reveling in his great track performances, has yet to reply directly to Kyrgios’ criticism.

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Kyrgios dismisses ATP’s baseline program minimum wages as “Still Not Enough”

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios (Credits: Eurosport)

The ATP just launched the Baseline Program. It is a three-year trial effort aiming to provide financial assistance to the world’s top 250 singles players. The ATP established certain minimum compensation for players according to their rankings. The body has set monetary thresholds of $300,000 (£235,000) for players ranked in the top 100, $150,000 (£117,000) for those ranked 101st to 175th, and $75,000 (£59,000) for those ranked 176th to 250th.

Following the announcement, Kyrgios resorted to social media to express his thoughts. He succinctly commented on a piece clarifying the minimum wages for players of various ranks, “Lol still not enough.” This statement emphasizes that the financial assistance described in the Baseline Program falls short of addressing the needs and expectations of professional tennis players, particularly those ranked outside the top 100.

Despite praise from a variety of sources, including ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, who called the Baseline Program a “revolutionary approach to player finances,” Kyrgios’ answer reveals ongoing dissatisfaction among some players. Through this new project, Gaudenzi expressed the ATP’s commitment to creating an environment in which players may grow and elevate the sport.

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