Tennis news - Nick Kyrgios hits back at 'irrelevant' Pat Rafter after call for ban

Updated 19/09/2019 at 11:44 GMT

Nick Kyrgios has broken cover in a feud with Pat Rafter, hitting back at his fellow Australian in a row over an ongoing ATP investigation.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Nick Kyrgios of Team World acknowledges the fans as he arrives at Palais Eynard for the official welcome ceremony prior to the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo, on September 18, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. (The Laver Cup cons

Image credit: Getty Images

Kyrgios, 24, is yet to learn if he will face further sanctions over comments he made about tennis' governing body, calling them "pretty corrupt" after fining him $167,000 for calling an umpire a "f****** tool".

With such a chequered past in terms of fines, Kyrgios could face a suspension from professional tennis over the outburst, but two-time Grand Slam champion Rafter wondered why he hadn't already been banned.

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Kyrgios responded on Twitter: "Probably because everywhere I play the stadiums are sold out, and the event makes money with me around?

"Not surprised Rafter has commented on this topic, guy loves hanging fellow Aussies out to dry.

"Enjoy staying relevant champ."

Kyrgios is currently in Switzerland for the Laver Cup in Geneva, representing Team World in the third edition of the team tournament.

He will take part in another team tournament - the ATP Cup - at the beginning of 2020 in Australia, at the launch of which Rafter was quizzed about Kyrgios' potential ban.

"I don’t understand why it hasn’t happened," Rafter said.

"There is obviously something else going on behind the scenes. I don't know.