Nick Kyrgios news: Aussie lashes out after hot-tempered loss
Nick Kyrgios took issue with the line of questioning from the press after his defeat to Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells.
Kyrgios was quick to rubbish comparisons between his racket throwing after the match and the Alexander Zverev outburst in Acapulco.
The Australian doesn’t believe that the two incidents are even vaguely comparable as he threw his racket downwards and wasn’t close to the ballboy whom the racket nearly struck.
“Did I throw my racquet anywhere near him (the ballboy) originally,” Kyrgios said. “It landed a meter from my foot and skidded and nearly hit him.
“I’m human. Things happen like that. It was an accident. It most definitely wasn’t like Zverev. It was a complete accident. I didn’t hit him, thankfully. It wasn’t my intention.
“So, thankfully, he’s OK.”
Nadal didn’t see Kyrgios throw his racket but commended the spirit in which the Australian contested their match.
“I think Nick had a great attitude during the whole match in terms of fighting spirit, and of course he has his personality, his character,” Nadal said.
“Sometimes he does things that I don’t like, but I respect because of different character, different kind of points of view, and different kind of education.”
Kyrgios hadn’t dropped a set before the quarters and saw off eighth-seeded Casper Ruud in the third round before getting a walkover into the final eight.
He was left frustrated that once again the narrative would shift away from how well he has played to how he has behaved.
“I played three bloody good matches,” Kyrgios added.
“I beat one of the guys that had like nearly 60 wins last year and no one remembered that. And everyone will just remember that time where Kyrgios lost to Rafa at Indian Wells or the time that he threw the racquet.
“People like you spoil sport,” he sniped at a reporter who asked about his post-match tantrum.
Kyrgios got into it with the rowdy crowd which included a confrontation with actor Ben Stiller.
😆
Does @NickKyrgios tell @BenStiller how to act? Don’t think so…#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/wrq9j5VBSi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 18, 2022
In a week where crowd behaviour is under the spotlight after Noami Osaka’s heckling incident, Kyrgios said he believes that spectators should be better behaved.
“I think it’s just this generation,” the 26-year-old said. “Everyone feels like their opinion is valid. Like, when you’re a spectator and you’re watching professionals play tennis, you should just be quiet.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?
-
ATP Tour
Expert reveals how long Andy Murray could be sidelined if he requires surgery after ‘devastating’ injury
“The decision will be made to potentially treat it with non-surgery but that’s unlikely I think.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz has bad news for his rivals with latest remarks as he also gives insight into aggressive tactics
Carlos Alcaraz is “feeling great on the court” again, which should be a concern for his rivals.