Nick Kyrgios says $460,000 salary 'isn't enough' as tennis star makes feelings clear
Nick Kyrgios believes top tennis players deserve more than $460,000
PA
Nick Kyrgios has hit out at a plan to give every top professional tennis player a guaranteed minimum wage.
It was announced this week that each member of the pro tour would be given a set salary, with the new system called 'Baseline'.
The top 250 players would benefit from this scheme, with players ranked 1-100 guaranteed to receive $460,000.
Players ranked 101-175 will earn $231,000, while the rest of the top 250 will pocket at least $115,000 each year.
Lol still not enough
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 23, 2023
The ATP explained their plan by saying: "This assurance will empower players to plan their seasons with greater certainty, focus on their game and invest in their teams.
"This includes covering the expenses of coaches and personal physios, as well as travel."
Yet Kyrgios isn't happy and has now taken to Twitter to suggest players should earn even more.
"Lol still not enough," he said on the social media website.
Novak Djokovic's rival player union, the Professional Tennis Players Association, has claimed credit for the idea.
But it appears not every player is happy with the arrangement and Kyrgios feels the best in the world should earn even more.
British coach Calvin Betton has also criticised the plan, insisting players ranked lower than 250 deserve the most help.
"It's aimed at the wrong people: it's those ranked outside the top 250 who really need help," he said.
'You really need money if you're ranked between 250 and 600.
"I also think it's quite funny that the ATP announcement featured a quote from Grigor Dimitrov [the former world No.3].
"That's like asking Tom Cruise to give a quote about the difficulties of being a struggling actor."
Meanwhile, Kyrgios has endured a difficult year so far with injuries hampering the Australian.
The 28-year-old has confirmed he won't be at the upcoming US Open, meaning he'd have missed all four Grand Slams this year.
Kyrgios has also dropped out of the top 100, too.
But he recently sent a message to his fans, insisting he's still determined to return to the very top of the sport.
“To my millions of fans out there, I guess we just have to be patient," he said.
“Trust me, I still have some fire left in the tank, my body just needs time to recover and get back. "Everything off-court is doing great. I am eyeing to come back and have a season like my last again.”
Kyrgios has won seven ATP singles titles throughout his career so far.
And he was previously ranked the 13th best player in the world back in October 2016.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Novak Djokovic's tennis association have claimed credit for new idea
PA
Kyrgios will be hoping to get back on the court as quickly as possible, though he's prepared to be patient as he eyes a comeback in the sport.