Tennis pros Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios are close friends and have been constantly sharing banter on social media over the past few months.

He impressed in Beijing but the 22-year-old Australian crumbled in the China Open final on Sunday, defeated 6-2, 6-1 by the legendary Rafael Nadal.

“Firstly I want to congratulate Rafa," said Kyrgios after the crushing defeat. "He’s had an extraordinary couple of months, with the US Open was unbelievable. I enjoyed watching every moment. It’s great to see him back in top form and World No 1 is a great credit to his team as well.

“It’s been an amazing week for me. My first time in Beijing and to make the final is pretty good. I’ve played some great tennis but it wasn’t to be today. Rafa played unbelievably. He’s one of the greatest of all time.

“A great week. I’m enjoying it. I’ll be back.”

The city of Chicago will host the second edition of the Laver Cup next year and Kyrgios is already buzzing for it.

Team World were beaten by Team Europe in Prague last month in a brilliant spectacle for tennis fans - Nadal and Federer even teamed up for doubles for the first time in their career.

On Monday, Kyrgios shared a "hype" video on Instagram and it received some attention from his British rival.

Murray missed out on the 2017 Laver Cup through injury but will certainly be hoping to take part in Chicago next year.

The 30-year-old commented on the post: "You need to get selected first." Kyrgios then responded to Murray's social media bullying.

Murray has beaten Kyrgios in each of their five meetings on the tour.

Nadal is expecting big things from his enigmatic opponent and believes he "will be a candidate for everything."

"He [Kyrgios] has everything," said the 31-year-old after his win in China.

"He has unbelievable good eyes, when you play against him, it looks like he has time for everything.

“That's very difficult. Then, of course, he has great hands and a fantastic serve. He has everything to fight for almost all the events of the year.

“So let's see what can happen in the future, but of course he will be a candidate for everything.”