Nick Kyrgios: Tennis ace gets into ferocious Twitter spat with Piers Morgan following dismal loss to Andy Murray
Aussie No15 seed at Wimbledon gets into a war of words on social media, with Shane Warne also setting him straight
NICK KYRGIOS has got into a furious Twitter spat with loud-mouthed Piers Morgan, telling him to 'eat a d***'.
Outspoken Morgan kicked things off during Andy Murray's crushing fourth round win over the Australian tennis star.
After Brit No1 Murray, 29, started to exert his dominance on the rapidly imploding Aussie, Morgan tweeted: ";Kyrgios is self-imploding on Centre Court now like a petulant brat.
"Most amusing to watch."
He later added: "Never seen an Australian sulk like Nick Kyrgios. Normally ferocious proud competitiors. Embarrassing to watch.
"Great job Andy Murray. As for you Nick Kyrgios - put your toys back in your pram and go home."
Hothead Kyrgios - never quick to shy away from controversy - simply tweeted back: "EAD."
The seemingly harmless acronym - if you weren't sure - stands for 'eat a d***'.
Not one to let himself be seen to be beaten Morgan quipped: "Sure, know any d***s?"
After a hard-fought first set - won by Murray 7-5 - the Brit went on to thump his opponent 6-1 6-4 to reach the quarter-final.
Despite his frustration with Morgan, Kyrgios was quick to hold his hands up and admit he was poor.
Following the crushing loss, he dubbed himself 'pathetic' and 'soft'.
The Australian No1 said: “It was a good first set. The rest of the match was pretty pathetic.
“As soon as I lost the first set I just lost belief. When things get tough, I’m just a little bit soft.
"I mean, I’ve got experience, but it ultimately comes down to just laying it all out there and competing for a long time. I didn’t do that today at all.”
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And that struck a nerve with fellow Australian sports star Shane Warne - who took to Facebook to tell him some home truths, while encouraging him to try harder and finally fulfil his full potential.
Cricket legend Warne said: "Dear Nick Kyrgios. We all realise you're only 20 and have a lot to learn buddy.
"But please don't waste your talent, everyone in the world, especially us Australians want to respect you.
"Remember respect is way more important than being liked, you need to respect the game of tennis and yourself.
"We all make mistakes, but it's how we learn from them and the way we conduct ourselves when we lose that shows true character.
"You're testing our patience mate, show us what you're made of and how hungry you are to be the best in the world, it's time to step up and start winning, no excuses.
"No shame in losing, but show us you will never give up, that you will give it everything to be the best you can be, respect is earned not given!
"I believe in you and know you can do it, but now's the time my friend..."