Shane Warne advises Nick Kyrgios to improve his behaviour in an open letter

Shane Warne wants Nick Kyrgios to step up and earn the respect of his countrymen

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has advised fellow compatriot and rising tennis star Nick Kyrgios to improve his behaviour in an open letter penned by the spin wizard, BBC News reports. Warne urged the urged the 20-year-old to “step up” and not to “waste your talent” and added that it was more important to earn respect.

Kyrgios has been criticised for his innumerable disciplinary issues in his short career in the ATP circuit but the biggest question mark on his attitude rose recently when he mouthed a derogatory personal remark at French Open champion Stan Wawrinka during a match last month.

The offence had serious repercussions as expected with Kyrgios handed a suspended 28-day ban and fined £16,200) by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), to be imposed if he repeats another offence of similar concern.

Kyrgios received criticism from various quarters over his behaviour after the incident and now, closer home, Warne has issued a stern warning to the tennis star urging him to make the most of his talent.

"Please don't waste your talent, everyone in the world, especially Australians wants to respect you,” Warne said. “Respect is more important than being liked.”

Warne is not ready to accept Kyrgios’ age as an excuse for his erratic behaviour and added that people will lose patience with him if he carries on with such antics.

“We all realise you're only 20 & have a lot to learn buddy. You're testing our patience mate, show us what you're made of & how hungry you are to be the best in the world, it's time to step up & start winning, no excuses.”

Here’s Warne’s open letter in full as posted on his official Facebook account.

Dear Nick Kyrgios, We all realise you're only 20 & have a lot to learn buddy. But please don't waste your talent,...

Posted by Official Shane Warne on Wednesday, 2 September 2015

Warne’s post receives mixed reactions

Warne’s post has received mixed reactions with many supporting his point of view while a few pointed out some of the leg-spinner’s controversial incidents early on his career.

@ShaneWarne honest appraisal the kid needs to get his head down and work hard instead of complaining

— Luke Evans (@degendealer) September 2, 2015

@ShaneWarne Great advice from experience. Awesome that you are passing on what to do (and what not to do). Hopefully @NickKyrgios reads it.

— William Olive (@William_Olive2) September 3, 2015

@ShaneWarne Oh Shane your too funny #pot #kettle Remember this https://t.co/WwshIzXgie now please Feedback?

— serveandvolley (@serveandvolley3) September 3, 2015

@ShaneWarne why not reach out on a personal level instead of all over social media looking for praise and attention.

— doctorcarter (@carter_doc) September 2, 2015