Nick Kyrgios
IN PHOTO: Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during his match against Juan Monaco of Argentina at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 1, 2015. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios recently called swimming star Dawn Fraser a “blatant racist.” BBC.com reported that Kyrgios gave the comment after Fraser said that players should go back to where their parents came from if they cannot behave.

Kyrgios, 20, has a Greek father and Malaysian mother, was given a code violation for bad language at Wimbledon where he was beaten by Richard Gasquet. Afterwards, Kyrgios was booed when he appeared to stop trying in the second set.

Fraser, 77, during an interview on Australian television said, “It’s absolutely disgusting. I am so shocked to think that he went out there to play and he tanked, he did all that tanking, that's terrible.” She also talked about Australian Bernard Tomic, who has a Croatian father and Bosnian mother, and was born in Germany.

“They should be setting a better example for the younger generation of this country, a great country of ours.If they don't like it, go back to where their fathers or their parents came from. We don't need them here in this country if they act like that,” Fraser said.

"Throwing a racket, brat. Debating the rules, disrespectful. Frustrated when competing, spoilt. Showing emotion, arrogant. Blatant racist, Australian legend,” Kyrgios responded to Fraser’s interview via his Facebook page.

The Guardian reported that Fraser immediately apologized for her comments, saying that Australians have a rich sporting heritage consisting of athletes with different racial backgrounds. Her intended message was purely based on sports and not an attack against Kyrgios ethnicity. Fraser explained that she failed to deliver her statements articulately. She added that she wanted to see Kyrgios represent Australia in the best light.

Some experts shared their opinions on Kyrgios’ Wimbledon performance, saying that he is actually a great guy off the court but the pressure got to him. Kyrgios will probably realize that he acted impulsively.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to v.doctor@ibtimes.com.au