Nadal clarifies Kyrgios critique, with an emphasis on "respect"

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Rafael Nadal spoke at more length on Nick Kyrgios before starting play at Indian Wells, having criticized the Australian's attitude when they played a week ago at Acapulco.

Kyrgios defeated Nadal in three sets at Acapulco, and went on to win the tournament. Following their meeting, Nadal said the 23-year-old was "not a bad guy" and a talented player but needed to "show more respect" to the crowd, other players and himself.

Speaking at his pre-event press conference at the BNP Paribas Open, Nadal suggested that the extent of the reaction from media and Kyrgios had been unnecessary.

"Being honest not one of you have been in Acapulco, some of you have been writing about the story," he told press. "And then Nick, I heard that he take it very personally. I really didn't see it but somebody told me that he put some stuff on social networks."

"I'm not that young, so I don't see the social networks every day," he added, jokingly.

Kyrgios appeared to be stung by the critique, referencing it on social media and telling press in Acapulco, "The way he plays is very slow in between points. He's got his own game. I've got my game...People are different so I'm not going to take that into consideration at all."

WATCH: Kyrgios hears it from the crowd in Acapulco

Nadal, who noted that his comments had come five minutes following his defeat at Acapulco, repeated what he had said there.

"Mostly the things I said have been positive about him," said Nadal. "I said it in Spanish...I have been very honest about what I said and what I said is, he is a good guy, that he is an amazing talented player that could be fighting for the first positions of the rankings and the most important events.

"At the same time, in my opinion, he needs to respect a little more, the crowd, the opponents and himself, too, as a sportsman."

But the Spaniard also elaborated that he had been referring to Kyrgios sometimes lacking enthusiasm for the sport, both in his on-court behavior and his public comments, while he earns millions from the game. He emphasized that he had not objected to the Australian serving underhand during a point in their Acapulco encounter.

"Everyone is free to do whatever, but in my opinion, he has an impact on the younger generation. He is young, he's a famous player. And we need to show good values for the kids that are watching on television. One of the best things our generation have, with me, Roger, Novak, was always respect for each other, for our opponents, for the sport and respect for the crowd. And I believe that's a good example for our sport and the new generation," said Nadal.

"But I never said nothing too negative about Nick even if he take it more personally. But being honest, was not against his serving, he's free to do that the way he wants. I don't feel disrespected by this at all. I understand this part of the game and I think this is a good show for the game too.

"But there is another stuff that in my opinion he can be better."

Nadal and Kyrgios are on opposite sides of the draw at Indian Wells.