In an interview with No Challenges Remaining podcast, Kyrgios labelled French Open champion Rafael Nadal ‘super salty’ and accused him of being a sore loser.
He also took aim at Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, claiming that his desire to be loved in the game was ‘cringeworthy’ and went on to say he ‘can’t stand him’.
There were more antics of ill discipline and explosive outbursts for the public to witness as the Australian launched his chair into the court during the Italian Open last week.
Former British number 1 Henman has encouraged Kyrgios to fulfil his undoubted potential and leave the rest behind.
He told the Metro: “What is success? It’s very easy in sport to look at it as winning and losing and that’s probably not the best way.
“I think the way you quantify it is maximising your potential. So is Nick Kyrgios maximising his potential? My opinion is no, he is not.”
Henman is the latest in a list of legendary Tennis stars to speak out on the issue of Kyrgios’ antagonising character, and says “it’s disappointing” for the game, who need younger players to step up and challenge the big three.
The former Wimbledon semi-finalist is hoping Kyrgios will find it in him to get back to work on the court and fulfil his enormous potential.
“I want to see him get his head down and concentrate on what he’s doing and then play the tennis he’s capable of more often,” Henman continued.
“He’s a great player. There’s very few [who can reach that top level].
“I think personally the three of this generation are the three of the top five male players of all time.
Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have an incredible grand slam record, winning an extraordinary 52 of the last 63 grand slams.
“I don’t put him in that bracket but he’s a great player, he should be winning tournaments and challenging for the majors,” Henman said.
Kyrgios retired the match against Casper Rudd in the round of 32 with the score at 3-6, 7-6, 1-2 in favour of the Norwegian.