Superstar Olympic swimmer James Magnussen throws his support behind ‘arrogant’ Nick Kyrgios

Former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen is a fan of polarising Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, stating his ‘arrogant’ on-court demeanour should be widely celebrated.

Magnussen, 31, who won a silver medal in the 100m freestyle at the 2012 London Games – losing by 0.01 of a second to American Nathan Adrian – said self-belief is a must for elite athletes to live up to their potential.

‘Belief and confidence which is bordering on arrogance is the difference between a run-of-the-mill athlete and a world-class athlete,’ Magnussen said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

‘I know myself I had to manufacture it, I wasn’t an overly confident person.

‘You need that swagger and bravado…to be the best in the world, you have to believe you are the best in the world.’

Magnussen himself was a divisive figure at the peak of his powers, with some fellow Aussie swimmers labelling his conduct ‘out of control’ at the London Games.

Former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen is a huge fan of polarising Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, stating his ‘arrogant’ on-court demeanour should be widely celebrated

Kyrgios, 27, will play in his first career grand slam final on Sunday at Wimbledon (pictured)

When he lost to US star Adrian in the pool, a number of Magnussen’s teammates reportedly celebrated his defeat at the time.

Now an emerging talent on breakfast radio, Magnussen pointed to the likes of US  basketballers Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan not lacking confidence.

He also believes Australia is a ‘tall poppy society’ who don’t widely celebrate outspoken athletes.

Kyrgios, 27, will play his first grand slam final on Sunday against top seed Novak Djokovic or local hope Cameron Norrie after Spanish star Rafael Nadal sensationally withdrew from their Wimbledon semi-final due to an abdominal strain.

‘Unfortunately as you can imagine I am here because I have to pull out from the tournament,’ Nadal said at a press conference.

‘As everyone saw, I have been suffering with a pain in the abdominal and something was not OK there. That is confirmed, I have a tear in the muscle.

Kyrgios will either play top seed Novak Djokovic or local hope Cameron Norrie in the final on Sunday 

‘It is very tough circumstances but it is obvious if I keep going, the injury will be worse and worse.

‘I make the decision because I don’t believe I can win two matches under the circumstances. It is not only I can’t serve at the right speed, it is I can’t do the normal movement to serve.

‘After that to imagine myself winning two matches, and for respect for myself in some way, I don’t want to go out there and not be competitive enough to play at the level I need to play to achieve my goals.’

Following the bombshell news, the Canberra raised entertainer posted on social media: ‘Different players, different personalities,’ Kyrgios said.

‘Rafael Nadal I hope your recovery goes well and we all hope to see you healthy soon. Till next time.’

Earlier in the tournament at the All England Club, Kyrgios attracted global headlines when he spat in the direction of an abusive fan following his first round win over Paul Jubb. He also called a line judge a ‘snitch’. 

And this week, the Aussie has been summoned to attend court next month in Canberra, where information will be laid out relating to a charge of common assault.

Kyrgios has been accused of domestic abuse by former girlfriend Chiara Passari with the alleged incident said to have taken place in December last year, according to the Canberra Times. 

Sunday’s final is due to commence at 11pm (AEST).