John McEnroe on Nick Kyrgios: 'If you don’t want to be a professional tennis player, do something else'

NEW YORK—Nick Kyrgios retired from his third-round match against Illya Marchenko on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday night, citing a hip injury.

That didn’t sit well with television commentator John McEnroe, who was calling the match for ESPN. And, as you would expect, he didn’t mince words on the broadcast.

“Nick Kyrgios, if you don’t want to be a professional tennis player, do something else,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion told viewers. “He’s hurt because he’s not training enough.”

McEnroe’s comments weren’t particularly surprising, as the Hall of Famer is famous for his legendary feistiness, competitiveness and work ethic.

Kyrgios took the first set 6-4, and then proceeded to drop the next two, 6-4, 6-1. Ahead of the fourth, the 14th-seeded Australian decided to call it quits.

Kyrgios flexed his right hip repeatedly during the match. He took a medical timeout during the match and, at one point, went to the locker room for treatment.

It was clear that he was uncomfortable, and in terrible pain.

“My hip was bothering me my first two matches, and I got through,” Kyrgios told reporters after the match. “I guess it was just a matter of time.”

The 21-year-old did admit that he needs to be more responsible and keep himself in better shape, both of which he’s been fiercely criticized for not doing throughout his up-and-down career.

“I got to take more time and be more diligent with, you know, gym and everything,” he said, “so this doesn’t happen to me.”