‘Put yourself in their shoes’ – Kyrgios blasts Thiem relief fund stance

Dominic Thiem and Nick Kyrgios have become embroiled in a social media spat over Thiem’s opposition to helping lower ranked players.

The current world No. 3 said last weekend he wouldn’t donate $30,000 to player relief fund and added that most lower-ranked players aren’t fighting enough.

The fund, initially signalled by world No.1 Novak Djokovic, would help players most affected financially by the coronavirus pandemic.

The comments have drawn criticism from some lower-ranked players, and Kyrgios, but the Austrian has said he stands by his comments.

“There are many things that bother me. I won’t change my mind. There are some players I do not want to support,” Thiem said.

 

Thiem said he thought the reaction to his comments “came across too harsh,” but added: “It’s a fact, not only in these current times: There are always people, organisations and animals, who need support more than probably every single sports person.”

But Kyrgios said in an Instagram post that Thiem ‘didn’t understand the point.”

“We at the top get paid far too much and there is not enough to go around,” the Australian said.

“It’s about helping where we can, professional or unprofessional, put yourself in their shoes.”

Thiem has stuck to his guns, saying that many lower ranked players are ‘unprofessional’.

“I don’t see why I should give them money. I’d rather donate to people and institutions who really need it,” he told Austrian newspaper Krone.

“There is no profession in the world where you are guaranteed success and high income at the start of your career.”