The player was ‘disappointed’ by a screenshot posted to his rival’s Instagram story.

Ergi Kirkin hit back at Nikoloz Basilashvili on social media (Image: Getty / Instagram: ergikirkin)

Turkish tennis player Ergi Kirkin has hit back at Nikoloz Basilashvili after being dragged into his social media strop on Saturday.

Basilashvili was furious at not being granted a wildcard into the Qatar Open, having won the tournament in 2021 and reached the final in 2022. “I’m used to not getting anything the easy way, but this one hurts,” the Georgian wrote on Instagram.

“I understand that money and sponsors play a role, but above all is common sense. Qatar, you have given me incredible moments and memories that I will keep forever. But I promise this – I will never return to compete here again in my professional career.”

Seemingly trying to make the point that he was more deserving of a spot than other players, Basilashvili then posted a screenshot of one result from qualifying, in which Kirkin retired against Botic van de Zandschulp while 6-1 2-1 down.

Kirkin did not take long to respond as he posted his own Instagram story, which read: “Sad to get injured and forced to retire today. But what’s more disappointing is seeing someone who knows this sport so well post this.”

The 26-year-old also got one back on Basilashvili by posting a screenshot of the result from their clash at the M15 Torello Tennis Tournament last March, which Kirkin won 4-6 6-1 6-0. “If we want to put scores out there, here is one from me,” he wrote.

The Qatar Open will proceed without Basilashvili and Kirkin, with the men’s draw getting underway on Monday. Kirkin’s conqueror, Van de Zandschulp, made it through qualifying and will play Abedallah Shelbayh in the first round.

Nikoloz Basilashvili threw a tantrum after being snubbed by Qatar Open organisers (Image: Getty)

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz is the crown jewel of day one, with his clash against Marin Cilic pencilled in for the afternoon. British hopeful Jack Draper will also be in action, against Australian star Alexei Popyrin, while Grigor Dimitrov takes on Jiri Lehecka.

More big guns will be rolled out on Tuesday as the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur prepare to take to the court. For Kirkin and Basilashvili, it’s back to the drawing board.

Basilashvili was once ranked as high as 16th in the world and has made at least the third round in all four Grand Slams. But at 32 years old, a slip in results has seen him tumble down to 148th in the ATP’s world rankings.