Kyrgios tells bitter rival Nadal: ‘Let’s do Instagram Live’

Rafael Nadal of Spain (R) holds the trophy after winning the men’s singles final match against Nick Kyrgios (L) of Australia at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 8, 2017. (Photo by NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP)

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cozy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship.

As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.

So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond.

“Rafa lets do Instagram live together. I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let’s do it,” wrote the Australian on Instagram.

Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court.

Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of “lacking respect” after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico.

Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was “super-salty”.

They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.