Nick Kyrgios in ugly clash with rival over underarm serve

Nick Kyrgios has clashed with Mikhail Kukushkin on social media over the controversial tactic that is the underarm serve.

The ATP’s official Instagram account ignited the drama on Friday with a pic of Kyrgios serving underarm, asking followers what they thought.

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Kukushkin, the World No.45 from Kazakhstan, replied with a big thumbs down.

And of course that didn’t sit well with Kyrgios.

“Don’t worry dude, I didn’t need to use it when I was chopping you up in Dubai,” he said, referring to his 6-3 6-3 win over Kukushkin in 2016.

So the Kazak replied: “That was my answer regarding underarm serve, not to you. No need to be rude to other people with no reason.”

Kyrgios shot back: “Not sure reminding you of a tennis match is rude.

“I was just giving you my opinion on our match and the use of the underarm serve.”

Underarm serves prove divisive

The controversial serve is slowly creeping into the game more, sparked by Kyrgios.

While perfectly legal, some players and fans think it’s disrespectful towards your opponent.

Kyrgios hit two underarm serves against Rafael Nadal in their spiteful Wimbledon clash, winning both points.

But while some are critical of it, Kyrgios has a supporter in Roger Federer.

“Yeah underarm is definitely a tactic I believe,” he said earlier this year.

“Especially when guys are hugging the fence in the back. From that standpoint (players) shouldn’t be ashamed to try it out.

“You just look silly if you miss it sometimes. But why not try it?

“The problem is in practice, you never really try it.

“When you come out in the big stage in front of a full crowd, (it is) tricky to pull off.”