'I don't like': Rafael Nadal's honest takedown of Nick Kyrgios
Rafael Nadal has offered his thoughts on what he thinks of his rival and potential fourth round opponent Nick Kyrgios after he hammered his way past fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.
Nadal's 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 procession in less than two hours sets up a potential last-16 blockbuster with the Aussie on Monday, following Kyrgios’ spicy mocking of the Spaniard’s service routine on Thursday.
'CAN’T BELIEVE IT’: Rafa Nadal melts hearts with Australian Open ball girl pic
‘OH MY GOD’: Nadal kisses ball girl in beautiful Aus Open moment
But the Spaniard was asked what he thought of Kyrgios and his answer was straight to the point.
"I don't know. I don't know him personally, honestly, to have a clear opinion," Nadal told the press conference when asked if he liked Kyrgios.
"It's clear, of course, that when he does stuff that in my opinion is not good, I don't like.
"When he plays good tennis and he shows passion for this game, he is a positive player for our tour, and I want my tour bigger, not smaller.
"So the players who make the tour bigger are important for the tour. When he's ready to play his best tennis and play with passion, is one of these guys. When he's doing the other stuff, of course I don't like."
Kyrgios took a dig at his rival when he found time to mock Nadal during his match against Gilles Simon.
The Aussie impersonated the Spaniard’s fiddly service routine after receiving a time violation.
Kyrgios is no stranger to taking digs at his rival, who he often claims is given an unfair advantage from the umpires when taking his time to serve.
Nadal breezes past opponent
The Australian world No.26 faces Karen Khachanov in his third-round match later on Saturday night and the winner will take on Nadal.
Nadal didn't even face a break point as he wiped Carreno Busta off Rod Laver Arena.
"My best match of the tournament so far without a doubt," Nadal said.
"It's true that when the conditions are a little bit warmer that helps a little bit.
"I did very well with my serve and started to hit some forehands.
"(The preparation's) been a little bit different than other times, but just happy to be playing again in this amazing stadium in front of this great crowd that always supports."
'NOT COOL': How 'unprofessional' Serena Williams slumped to 14-year low
Nadal said he was not fazed who he played in the fourth round.
"Both players are great players. Nick is excited to play here at home," Nadal said.
"Karen is a player with great potential. I'll be watching and hoping for a good tennis match."
To stay on top of Australian Open news follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@yahoosportau).
