Nick Kyrgios has accused Olympic great Dawn Fraser of being a “blatant racist” after the former champion swimmer said tennis players should “go back to where their parents came from” if they did not set a better example to Australian youth.

Kyrgios was the subject of a barrage of criticism back home for his on-court antics when he was beaten by Richard Gasquet at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old was accused of giving up, or “tanking”, in one game, received a warning for an audible obscenity and conducted a running debate with the umpire throughout the match.

Fraser, who has been one of Australia’s best known sporting figures since she won the 100 metres freestyle at three successive Olympic Games from 1956, was invited to comment on his behaviour on TV.

“It’s absolutely disgusting. I am so shocked to think that he went out there to play and he tanked, he did all that tanking, that’s terrible,” the 77-year-old said.

“They should be setting a better example for the younger generation of this country, a great country of ours.

“If they don’t like it, go back to where their fathers or their parents came from. We don’t need them here in this country if they act like that.”

Kyrgios responded by linking to a video of Fraser’s comment on his Facebook page.

“Throwing a racket, brat. Debating the rules, disrespectful. Frustrated when competing, spoilt. Showing emotion, arrogant.”

“Blatant racist, Australian legend.”

Kyrgios, who was born in Australia’s capital Canberra, has Greek and Malaysian-born parents.