Karl Stefanovic blasts Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev live on-air

Karl Stefanovic slammed Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev on Friday morning after he defeated Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open overnight.

The world number two tennis player made headlines following the match when he criticised the crowd at Rod Laver Arena for disrespectful conduct and accused them of booing him.

“It’s not everybody who’s doing it, but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ,” he said in a post-match interview.

Clearly frustrated by the incident and the fact that Daniil knocked his friend Nick out of the Australian Open, Karl paced around the Today studio before firing off insults directly into the camera.

“Daniil Medvedev, my accountant has a better personality,” he said.

“Daniil Medvedev, he makes Ivan Lendl look like Beyoncé. Daniil Medvedev, Terminator 4 had more facial expressions.”

Social media users were divided by Karl’s tirade, with some people calling him “childish” and “obnoxious”.

“Karl your comments are appalling,” one person wrote. “Your buddy Kyrgios didn’t win, just get over it.”

“So unprofessional. You are a disgrace Karl. I hope you are made to apologise for your comments. You are such a bad sport,” another added.

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“Grow up Karl,” a fourth said, followed by another who joked, “No need to be rough on today's accountants.”

Meanwhile, others sided with Karl’s opinion and called him a “legend”.

The on-air incident comes shortly after Karl put Nick Kyrgios in an awkward position during an interview earlier this week.

While discussing his latest UberEats campaign, which sees him enjoying a bubble bath on the court, the 26-year-old was asked a rather bizarre question.

“The UberEats ads are very funny, it’s all a good bit of fun,” Karl said, before adding, “Are they your toes or did you use a toe double? Because they’re nice toes”.

Clearly shocked by the question at first, Nick then laughed and replied: “Dude, you’ve got a sickness, Karl. No, that was my stunt double.”

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