Overnight tennis player Nick Kyrgios made the news for allegedly losing a game in his match at Wimbledon on purpose. Today the story has taken on a big new life, with a war of words between Kyrgios and Aussie swimming legend Dawn Fraser.

Interviewed this morning on Channel 9’s Today show, Fraser did not hold back in her opinion on the matter.

“I think it is absolutely disgusting,” said Fraser.

“I am so shocked to think that he went out there to play and he tanked… he did all that tanking, it’s terrible.

“He should be setting an example for the younger generation of this great country of ours”.

If that wasn’t harsh enough, Fraser went further. Quite a lot further.

If they don’t like it, go back to where their fathers or parents came from. We don’t need them in this country if they act like that.

Kyrgios was born in Australia, his father was born in Greece, and his mother in Malaysia. It’s also notable in the quote that Fraser moves away from talking about a particular person, to ‘them’.

He responded on social media, with the following words on his Facebook profile:

Blatant racist, Australian legend. #perspective

Not many words, but a powerful response to Fraser’d strong words.

Nill Kyrgios, Nick’s mother commented on the matter on social media, and also called Fraser out on racism:

After the game Kyrgios addressed the claims of tanking in his match.

“Of course I tried,” Kyrgios said.

“There was a lot of ups and downs. It was a tough, tough time, especially when he’s not missing any balls.

He lost the match 7-5 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (8-6).

What do you think… did Dawn Fraser go too far? Do you think Kyrgios deserves the benefit of doubt in regards to how he played?

Image credit: Eva Rinaldi