Nick Kyrgios waged his usual war with his own form, his support box and any number of other things over the past week at the US Open, but away from the court, the world number 30 was engaged in a social media stoush with tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg.
Kyrgios, who lost to Roger Federer in straight sets, had been going back and forth with the New York Times reporter in the days leading up to his third round clash with the Swiss veteran.
It's no secret the Australian isn't the biggest fan of Rothenberg, and he didn't hold back over the past few days.
Not one to take a backward step, the American writer gave as good as he got on Twitter.
MORE: Federer leaves Kyrgios in shock with shot of the tournament | Federer laughs off Kyrgios serve imitation
It started last week, when Kyrgios responded to a Rothenberg tweet about up-and-comer Stafanos Tsitsipas - another individual who probably won't be on Kyrgios' Christmas card list.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 29, 2018
It all seemed fairly innocuous until Rothenberg bought up a disparaging tweet Kyrgios posted then hurriedly deleted earlier in the week.
you gonna delete this one too or actually stand by something?
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 29, 2018
The beef pretty much kicked on from there, with Kyrgios labelling Rothenberg a "keyboard warrior."
This is hilarious 😂😂 because every time I see you in person you don’t say anything hahaha, you Ben are a true keyboard warrior
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 29, 2018
And vice versa? But if you want to meet up at Magnolia to talk it out, cupcakes on me.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 29, 2018
Hahahahahaha no im good, I’ve gotten my daily entertainment out of you 🤣
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 29, 2018
Rothenberg threw some pretty serious shade, suggesting Kyrgios will probably be knocked out of the tournament sooner rather than later.
Hahahahahaha no im good, I’ve gotten my daily entertainment out of you 🤣
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 29, 2018
The Aussie left it with this one...
Hahaha aww Ben, I hurt your feelings, save some cupcakes for me chubs
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 29, 2018
Kyrgios went on to lose 6-4 6-1 7-5 to Federer on the weekend, but the feud wasn't over.
Rothenberg didn't miss the opportunity to remind his 65,000 followers that Kyrgios had been coached by chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani during his second round match with Pierre-Hughes Herbert.
Kyrgios imitating Federer's serve...which Federer could then not return. Tremendous. https://t.co/OO78I4v5pe
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 1, 2018
"Say something else, 'Move your feet.' First serve, first serve, obviously I'm trying to make my fucking first serve."
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 1, 2018
Kyrgios upset with his box for not coaching him well enough during the match.
He got used to a higher standard of coaching from Lahyani, I guess... #USOpen
Kyrgios trails 4-6, 0-3. Again.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 1, 2018
Chair umpire James Keothavong staying seated, however. #USOpen
Kyrgios wasted little time getting one back at Rothenberg after his Federer defeat, bringing up the cupcakes again.
I see you creeping Benny! I may take you up on those cup cakes now, you little fortune teller. I’ll police how many you have, deal? #MysticBen https://t.co/wCl81V55rF
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 1, 2018
This one isn't over. Stay tuned.