Aussie tennis legend Mark Philippoussis slams Nick Kyrgios as a bad influence on kids

Australian tennis legend Mark Philippoussis has fired an ace at Nick Kyrgios, declaring he is a bad influence on kids – before revealing his blueprint for beating the controversial star.

Philippoussis, 45, – who made the final of Wimbledon in 2003, losing to Swiss superstar Roger Federer – pointed out impressionable young tennis fans are watching Kyrgios’ every move.

Be it applauding errors, arguing with chair umpires or ‘tanking’ games to halt his opponents’ momentum, Kyrgios’ gamesmanship at Wimbledon has irked many – including the man they call ‘Scud.’

‘I don’t mind people getting upset at a line call, or questioning something or smashing a racket, that’s going to get it out of your system but I think it’s the constant stuff that opponents have to deal with,’ Philippoussis said in an extraordinary rant.

‘Kids are watching, man, they can hear things, they’ve got the mics on the court … you have to think about these things.’

Philippoussis, 45, went onto outline a blueprint to unsettle Kyrgios on court (pictured)

Philippoussis, who was a consultant for Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas at the All England Club, saw first hand in the third round from the players box just how effective Kyrgios’ tactics can be.

Kyrgios got under the skin of the fifth seed, and demanded chair umpire Damien Dumusois default his rival after Tsitsipas smashed a ball into the crowd in frustration, narrowly missing spectators.

It was a match full of tension, with Kyrgios – who on Tuesday was hit with allegations he assaulted his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari by ACT Police – winning in four sets.

Tsitsipas later said Kyrgios was ‘evil’ and accused him of bullying. 

Quizzed on Kyrgios’ disruptive approach, Philippoussis explained the tactics he would adopt against his fellow countryman.

‘Nick probably takes three seconds to serve every single time. If I played him, I would go to the towel, I’d put my hand up and I’d wait,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Kyrgios’ battle against Stefanos Tsitsipas was undoubtedly the most talked-about match of the tournament so far (pictured) – and Philippoussis was advising the Greek world No.5

Kyrgios’ drama-free performance (pictured) versus Brandon Nakashima differed greatly to his antics against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round

Kyrgios, 27, has been accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari (pictured together)

‘He wouldn’t like that but that’s what I would do because I don’t want to be rushed.’

He later stated Kyrgios’ talent is obvious, he just needs to be stay focused mentally.

Kyrgios is scheduled to play Chile’s Cristian Garin on Court One from 11.45pm on Wednesday (AEST) for a spot in the semi-finals.

The winner will play the victor of the other quarter-final between Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz.