By Aimee Lewis January 9, 2020
(CNN)Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was "far too slow" reacting to the wildfires devastating large parts of the country and has described addressing the climate crisis as an "urgent" matter.
A leading voice in his sport's drive to help raise money for relief efforts, Kyrgios last week pledged to donate $140 ($200 AUSD) for every ace he hits at upcoming tournaments -- a deed which has sparked similar gestures from fellow players and tournament organizers in the country.
Writing in AthletesVoice, the world No. 29 said: "As the leader of our country, I don't think Scott Morrison has done enough to be honest.
Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal commit to Australian bushfires charity match
"At the very least, he was far too slow to act, while people were losing their lives and families were losing their homes. There is nothing worse than that.
"Right now, nothing is more important than helping these people and putting the fires out. So, if I could say anything to our politicians it's imagine you're in the same position as these people who have been impacted."
At least 27 people have died nationwide during this fire season. Nearly 18 million acres of land has been burned -- most of it bushland, forests and national parks, which are home to the country's native wildlife.
Kyrgios, 24, hails from the nation's capital Canberra, a city where the air quality was among the worst in the world earlier this week. While the fires have touched every state in Australia, New South Wales has been the hardest hit.
The Australian flag flies above Parliament House as smoke shrouds the Australian capital of Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020.
"For now, politics shouldn't matter. We are where we are, and we've just got to get in and help. But for the future, after this emergency situation eases a little, I think we need to make some changes," Kyrgios continued.
"I think a lot about climate change and the impact that it's having on the environment. The time will come when our leaders will need to sit down and figure out what we can do to protect our environment. It's urgent that we find a solution."
Morrison has faced heavy criticism for his climate policies and response to the wildfires as well growing anger and frustration from the public as the fires continue to spiral out of control.
The media team of the Australian PM and Cabinet didn't immediately respond to CNN's request for comment regarding Kyrgios' comments.
Australia's Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios celebrate beating Britain in the quarterfinals of the ATP Cup.
'Putting it all on the line'
Better known by some for his on-court misdemeanors than title wins, Kyrgios is currently competing in the ATP Cup and has helped Australia reach the semifinals of the inaugural tournament. He had to fight back the tears earlier on in the event when asked during an on-court interview about the bushfires.
Kyrgios will join Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in Melbourne next week for the fundraising exhibition match, Australian Open Rally for Relief.
Emotional Nick Kyrgios leads bushfire support as Tennis Australia pledges $700,000
Though regretting not "doing something sooner," Kyrgios said he was now intent on using his platform to make a difference.
"These fires have been burning since September and I was seeing people being affected by this disaster every day, feeling helpless," he said.
"I realize now that I'm blessed to have the platform that I do, so I can help make a difference because there are many things that are more important than sport. That's what I choose to focus on.
"My biggest inspiration this summer is our firefighters. They're the most important people we have on our side right now. They put my job as a tennis player into perspective, that's for sure.
"Seeing what they have to deal with out there, I don't think our firefighters will ever receive enough praise. They're putting it all on the line for every Australian, for our country and for our animals. There's no greater example of selflessness than that."
CNN's Jessie Yeung contributed to this report.
'Bigger than tennis': Nick Kyrgios' tears over bushfire disaster
3 Jan 2020
An emotional Nick Kyrgios has paid tribute to firefighters and families battling Australia’s bushfire disaster after winning Australia’s opening ATP Cup match on Friday night.
Kyrgios was clinical as he defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-6, but it was in his post-match interview on the court that the Canberra-born star’s emotions bubbled to the surface.
Asked about his pledge to donate $200 for every ace he hits this summer to firefighting and bushfire recovery efforts, Kyrgios said the ups and downs of tennis paled in comparison to what other parts of the country were enduring.
“I don't really care about the praise too much,” Kyrgios said, briefly apologising as he teared up.
"It's pretty sad, it's tough." 💔
🇦🇺 @NickKyrgios speaks about the bushfires in Australia after his win over Struff in #Brisbane.
🇦🇺 #TeamAustralia | #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/gBW1y5pBP1— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 3, 2020
“We've got the ability and the platform to do something.
“My home town is Canberra and we've got the most toxic air in the world at the moment, that's pretty sad. It's tough.
“It's all going to all the families, firefighters, animals, everyone who is losing homes, losing families… it's a real thing.
After winning Australia's first ATP Cup match, Nick Kyrgios teared up when he was asked about the impact of the ongoing bushfire disaster. Picture: ATP Cup/TwitterMore
“It's bigger than tennis."
Tennis fans were similarly moved by Kyrgios’ show of emotion.
Many took to social media to praise the Australian firebrand’s efforts to support the firefighters and families affected by the crisis.
Has actually changed my opinion of him with this hope it continues— Rick (@Swanniedog) January 3, 2020
Tough for some to love who he is on the court, but off the court it is undeniable how sincere and good-hearted he is.— RF(19)97 (@RF19975) January 3, 2020
👍👍👏👏Hats off the Nick for all he is doing to support the fire fighters, people and animals suffering through these devastating and heartbreaking fires!😪 Top guy ❤— Monica Macdonald (@monicamacdonald) January 3, 2020
Kyrgios kicks off flood of athlete donations
Kyrgios called on Tennis Australia to dig deep in the nations’s time of need, as bushfires devastate livelihoods and communities around the country.
On Friday, the governing body of Australian Tennis answered the call.
Krygios' plans for a massive fundraising effort for bushfire victims has resulted in a tennis exhibition match set to feature some of the world's top players.
The 24-year-old kicked off a flood of donations to the fundraising campaign from sporting names around Australia, including American NBL star LaMelo Ball.
Kyrgios floated the idea of a charity tennis match and Tennis Australia on Friday responded by announcing a "Rally for Relief" exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday Jan 15.
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