As the sports “bad boy” gears up to face off against American rising star Brandon Nakashima on Centre Court later today, Matts Wilander has joined the list of tennis greats who have criticized Nick Kyrgios for his Wimbledon antics.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner said it was bad for tennis that the Australian’s wild behavior during Saturday’s 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 victory over fellow troublemaker Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“Is it enjoyable? Yes. Is it deferential? Wilander said to Eurosport, “No. Is the tennis sometimes really good? Unbelievable considering how talented both players are. Kyrgios is also very talented.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Since this isn’t what I think we want to promote in tennis, I’m not sure I want to see something like happen again. We do not wish to advertise it as entertainment.
We want to market it as uplifting and instructive, but perhaps people want to see this. To be honest, I’m not sure if I like what’s happening very much.
Kyrgios was fined £3,300 for using foul language during the match on Saturday, while Tsitsipas was ordered to pay £8,260 for rashly smashing the ball twice—once into the crowd and again into the backboard.
At one point during the match, Kyrgios yelled aggressively for the umpire to dismiss Tsitsipas for the first offense and he refused to play.
Are you sure that’s a default? He merely swung the ball at the mob. Are you naive? Dumusois overheard Kyrgios informing him.
So, if you throw a ball into the crowd and strike someone, you won’t be penalized? Give me all of the managers. I’m not going to play until we figure it out.
After the match, Tsitsipas referred to his opponent as a “bully,” while Kyrgios told reporters his behavior was not upsetting any of the other athletes, saying: “I’m good in the locker room.” Just to let you know, I have a lot of friends. I rank among the most popular people.
Wimbledon officials are at a loss as to how to deal with Kyrgios, who was also fined £8,200 for spitting in the direction of a spectator during his match against Britain’s Paul Jubb in the first round.
They want to crack down on his behavior but still recognize his potential to generate large crowds.
Throughout the competition, the matches of the world number 40 have drawn large crowds, and he has also attracted large audiences on television.
At 1:30 pm, he squares up against Nakashima in the opening match on Center Court.
The 27-year-old was spotted yesterday engaging in PDA with his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi, 22, as they took a break from a workout.
An aspiring influencer and Central St Martins alumnus named Hatzi made public his relationship with Kyrgios in December.