Kyrgios ups the ante in Rio Olympics row

Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios has launched a fresh social media attack on Australian Olympic team boss Kitty Chiller before launching a Facebook poll to determine whether he should go to the Rio Games.

While slamming Chiller for claiming that he was coming off an ITF suspension, the 21-year-old maverick player asked fans to decide whether he should represent Australia in Rio.

"Coming out of suspension? What on earth are you talking about? I was never under a suspension ??????" Kyrgios tweeted.

"Fiery passion and intense competitiveness to me the things that represent the elite level of sport.

"If you think the Australian Olympic tennis team would be better without me then comment on this photo ... BUT if you were the selector and you would want me out there battling for a medal LIKE and SHARE this picture," he then wrote on Facebook.

His latest response came after Chiller claimed Kyrgios did not understand what it meant to be an Australian Olympian, adding she would be appalled if he repeated his antics at an Olympics.

Last week, Chiller had warned Kyrgios and his compatriot Bernard Tomic to improve their behaviour in order to avoid facing a ban from the Rio Games.

However, Tennis Australia gave its backing to Kyrgios on Friday saying it was unfortunate to include him in recent row over player behavior as he has made a concerted effort to improve his performance and behaviour.

Image: Australia's Nick Kyrgios

Photograph: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images