Tennis-Kyrgios lashes out at media, doubles rival over crowd issues

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at the media and doubles rival Max Purcell as he denied claims he had disrespected world number one Ash Barty following her Australian Open win.

Kyrgios and fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis won the men's doubles title on a packed Rod Laver Arena on Saturday after Barty's victory over Danielle Collins had given the country its first singles champion in 44 years.

As had been the case throughout the tournament, the 'Special Ks' were backed by a raucous crowd as they defeated compatriots Max Purcell and Matt Ebden to win their first Grand Slam title.

Kyrgios said after the final that the duo had "created probably the best atmosphere this tournament has ever seen", which was interpreted by some media as a slight on Barty.

In an Instagram post which opened with an expletive aimed at the media, Kyrgios denied the charge.

"Honestly, I said nothing disrespectful to Ash Barty," he wrote.

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