Nick Kyrgios slams media in furious online post amid Ashleigh Barty controversy

Nick Kyrgios has fired back at members of the media who claimed he downplayed the success of Australian Open Women’s Singles Champion Ashleigh Barty.

Kyrgios won his maiden Grand Slam doubles title in Melbourne with fellow Aussie and long-time friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, with the pair drawing unprecedented attention towards the doubles game in the process.

Both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are renowned as being strong personalities and their energy on court helped create buzzed up crowds throughout the tournament.

During the competition, Kyrgios stressed to reporters that tennis needed to celebrate players with big personalities more.

And after winning his maiden Slam against compatriots Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell, the 26-year-old expressed his satisfaction at the atmosphere he and Kokkinakis had managed to create.

“I would say that we’ve created probably the best atmosphere this tournament has ever seen,” he said.

“Ash's father came to us and said the crowd was the best he’s ever seen. Obviously, Ash is a hell of a player, but I think the ratings speak for themselves.

“People watch my matches, everywhere I play around the world the stadiums are full for that reason.”

However, Kyrgios’ comments were condemned by many, including sports personality Kelli Underwood, who claimed the remark was “extremely disrespectful” and “tone-deaf.”

Barty became the first Australian winner of a singles title in Melbourne since 1978 as she stormed to victory against Danielle Collins last Saturday.

The 25-year-old won the tournament without dropping a set to secure her third major victory and solidify her spot at the top of the world rankings.

Contrary to what Kyrgios suggested, Australian broadcaster Channel Nine reported that Barty’s final