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CINCINNATI. — Stan Wawrinka accused Aussie bad boy Nick Kyrgios of failing to properly apologise for his lurid outburst towards the Swiss tennis star after struggling into the third round of the ATP Cincinnati Masters event. Kyrgios made worldwide headlines last week after crude remarks concerning Wawrinka’s reported girlfriend, teenager Donna Vekic, during a match against the Swiss ace in Montreal.

World number five Wawrinka admitted the controversy was still on his mind on Wednesday after fighting back from a set down to defeat Croatia’s Borna Coric 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.

Third seed Andy Murray ended the Cincinnati career of retiring Mardy Fish 6-4, 7-6 (7-1) in a post-midnight finish after the rain.

Rafael Nadal concluded even later as he defeated Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-4.

Kyrgios, who was fined by the ATP for his courtside sledge, later issued a statement apologising for his remarks, insisting they were made “in the heat of the moment.”

However Wawrinka said Kyrgios’s apology didn’t go far enough.

“He didn’t really apologise to the people. He should. That’s it. That simple,” Wawrinka said.

“There was a lot of anger in the locker room about what he did. As a player, you realise more what he did and what is the consequence for the private lives of people involved.

“They were not just a few words. With one sentence, he can touch and hurt a lot of people. I had a lot of support in the locker room, that’s for sure.”

Wawrinka, who is divorcing his wife of six years, insisted however that the ugly controversy would not derail his preparations for the US Open.

“I know how myself, I know how I get ready for a Grand Slam. I know how I deal with everything. I’m sure I’m going to be ready for US Open,” said the double Grand Slam winner.

“It was really important to win this match today. It was not the way I played on the court but the way I fight with little energy that I have. That’s the most important.

“For sure I was struggling today to be completely on the court and to fight the way I wanted.

“It’s been some tough days for some people, and it’s always difficult to completely focus on the tennis court.”

Kyrgios triggered widespread revulsion for his on-court taunt to Wawrinka that fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis had a fling with WTA professional Vekic.

Vekic (19) finally made her own response after being dropped into the controversy.

“It’s not easy, but I’m trying to focus on tennis and my next match,” she told The Province newspaper in Vancouver. — AFP.