Wimbledon 2015: Andy Murray tells Nick Kyrgios to 'be himself' rather than bow to outside pressure and change his controversial nature

Kyrgios has come under-fire for his behaviour during this year's Wimbledon tournament but Murray has defender the young Australian

Andy Murray has defender Nick Kyrgios (Getty Images)

Andy Murray has come out in defence of under-fire Wimbledon star Nick Kyrgios and suggested that the young Australian needs to be himself following his on-court controversies at this year's tournament.

Kyrgios shot to fame this time last year when he knocked Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon, but this time around he has been accused of arrogance and “tanking” during his fourth round defeat to Richard Gasquet, having appeared to throw at least one game in the second set on his way to a four-set loss.

Kyrgios came out fighting in his press conference after the match, but his behaviour on court has been blasted by ex-pros and the media, with the 20-year-old also getting into a spat with the match umpire after a back-and-forth argument. In his first round match, Kyrgios shouted “dirty scum” towards a different umpire, but he later claimed that he was talking about himself.

However, Murray has come out in support of his fellow tennis player, and following his own fourth round victory over Ivo Karlovic, believes that he needs to be given time to develop away from the limelight and the media’s attention.

"The most important thing is to try to be yourself," Murray said of Kyrgios' behaviour.

"I like Nick. I've spoken to him away from the court. He's quite different to how he is on it."

Murray added: "It's not easy. He'll find his way, for sure. But he'll hopefully have good people around him that can help him, people that have experienced being on the tour.

"Guys like Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter and these guys will be able to help with that.

"It's important to listen to them, I would say."