Rafael Nadal lays into ‘disrespectful’ Nick Kyrgios after dramatic clash
Rafael Nadal has slammed Nick Kyrgios following their Mexican Open clash, saying the Australian “lacks respect for the public, the rival and towards himself”.
Kyrgios saved three match points en route to stunning top seed Nadal 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (8-6) in three hours and two minutes in Acapulco on Wednesday evening.
The Australian, who suffered with illness and injury during the match, was booed by the spectators and he also delivered an underarm serve at one point.
(🎥@TennisTV ) pic.twitter.com/2O2BS4AE6B
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) February 28, 2019
After wrapping up the match, Kyrgios celebrated by falling to the floor and once he got up he stuck his finger behind his ear looking for a reaction from the crowd.
One word: INCREDIBLE!
🙌🙌@NickKyrgios saves three match points to defeat Rafael Nadal 3-6 7-6(2) 7-6(6) to reach @AbiertoTelcel quarter-finals. pic.twitter.com/rutHnzLjQ5
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 28, 2019
The post-match handshake between the two players was also a little tense.
The handshake (🎥@TennisTV ) pic.twitter.com/a12MwHKA2m
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) February 28, 2019
And Nadal didn’t hold back in his criticism after the match.
“He is a player who has enormous talent,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner is quoted as saying by ESPN.
“He could win Grand Slams and fight the top positions of the ranking, but there is a reason why he is where he is.
“He lacks respect for the public, the rival and towards himself.”
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