Nick Kyrgios sticks up for Holger Rune in Stan Wawrinka spat

ATP Tour

James Richardson
March 14, 2023

Nick Kyrgios has waded into the spat between Holger Rune and Stan Wawrinka in the aftermatch of their Indian Wells meeting.

Wawrinka won a three-setter against Rune, but not before the two had an on-court tête-à-tête.

In their previous meeting at last season’s Paris Masters, Wawrinka was highly critical of the young Dane.

Wawrinka had harsh words for the victorious Dane on that day.

In Paris, Wawrinka was heard telling Rune: “My advice to you is that you stop acting like a baby on court.”

At Indian Wells, it was Rune who has something to say after defeat as he asked Warinka: “You’ve got nothing to say now?”

Wawrinka appeared eager to diffuse the situation and replied: “What do you want me to say?”

The Swiss veteran did have something to say at the post-match press conference as he suggested that Rune is gaining a bad reputation in the locker room.

“There is not much to say there,” Wawrinka told a room devoid of the Dane.

“The only thing I can add is that he (Rune) is a young player, a very great champion with enormous potential. But he is making a reputation in the locker rooms that one day he will regret.”

Nick Kyrgios came out to bat for Rune, having previously had a run-in with Wawrinka.

Kyrgios wrote on Instagram: “Haha yea all good when you win…typical. Holger Rune with you my brother.”

Rune called a truce as both players were bombarded with hateful and angry comments from ‘fans’.

The Dane had his say on what is a major problem for younger players on the tour, who have to avoid using social media because of the torrents of hate they can be subjected to.

“Before you write hate or sh***y comments on my or any account your should be aware of how the majority read your comment and see you as unintelligent…” Rune wrote in an Instagram story.

“Harsh judgements are handed out so people feel better about themselves, but everyone (if of average or above average intelligence) can see that they are hurting and have been brought down by something that has them feeling defensive (jealousy)- so they become critical of others hoping to restore their self-esteem. Needless to say with no luck.”

Rune got into it with trolls on Twitter as well, responding to a First Name Bunch Of Numbers account sending hate to Wawrinka, making a similar statement.

Harsh judgements are handed out so you feel better about yourself, but everyone (if of average or above average intelligence) can see you have been brought down by something – so you become critical of others to restore your self esteem . Think before you write #StopTheHateNow

— Holger Rune (@holgerrune2003) March 14, 2023