More: The Kyrgios sledge l Kokkinakis almost fights Harrison l "I don't want him in Australian colours" - Rabbits
The Aussie young-gun was drawn into a couple of global controversies after Kyrgios told Wawrinka: “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend, sorry to tell you that, mate.”
Kyrgios was referring to Wawrinka’s girlfriend Donna Vekic, who Kokkinakis previously dated.
On the weekend, Kokkinakis almost came to blows with American Ryan Harrison, who allegedly bought up the issue during a qualifying match for the Cincinnati Masters. The Australian world No. 79 won the match in three sets, but was left shaken by the incident.
“It’s been interesting, it’s been a circus,” Kokkinakis told US tennis journo Ben Rothenberg.
“I haven’t gotten much sleep on the nights of the two incidents.”
Although he was watching the Kyrgios-Wawrinka match, Kokkinakis says he missed the original sledge and it wasn’t until it went viral on the internet that he realised what had happened.
“It was pretty crazy what happened,” he said.
“Obviously he shouldn’t have said what he said under the circumstances. But yeah, it is what it is and, yeah, got to move past it now.
“He (Kyrgios) apologised to me. I let him know, I made it pretty clear that he can’t be doing that.
“If he’s got a problem, he’s got to say it in private. The way he went about it definitely wasn’t the right thing.
“But yeah, as I’ve said, I’ve qualified (for the Cincinnati Masters) and I’m happy I’m in the main draw. I’ve got a tough match tomorrow, so I’ve got to focus on what I need to do.”
Kokkinakis plays Fabio Fognini in the first round at Cincinnati, while Kyrgio plays his Wimbledon vanquisher, Richard Gasquet. If both young Aussies win, they will meet in a potentially fiery second round match.
“(The controversy) hasn’t been ideal – I’d rather not have to worry about that sort of stuff but when you’re playing sport, it happens,” the 19-year-old said.
“I’ve tried to put it aside when I get on court. I haven’t had any sledges or anything like that off the court from the crowd. They’ve been pretty good to me. I’ve been happy with the way I’ve been received on court.
“Most of the (other players on tour) have been pretty good, pretty much everyone.
“They’ve been good and don’t think I’m in the wrong with anything.
“I’m getting advice from everyone. ‘Don’t worry about it, do your thing.’
“But it’s fine. I want to say some stuff, but I’ve got to keep it pretty low.”